Nakuru:Potato farmers in Nakuru County have gained access to vital extension services via their mobile phones with the launch of a new app called VarScout. This app is an integrated solutions program designed to enhance potato farming practices by providing information on crucial techniques and health interventions, particularly for farmers in remote areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, VarScout addresses gaps in disease and pest control, agronomical practices, and market trends, among other areas. County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Engineer Margaret Kinyanjui, highlighted that the app strengthens the county’s capacity to understand farmers’ needs and make informed decisions within the potato value chain. The app’s mobile-based digital tools are set to improve agricultural extension services by overcoming the shortage of physical extension officers.
Engineer Kinyanjui emphasized the app’s role in transforming agriculture in Nakuru by providing digital advisories on weather and planting information. The app also supports marketing of produce and offers access to financial and insurance services. In partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP), the app was launched to scale up digital technologies in Kenyan agriculture, focusing on productivity, market linkages, financial inclusion, and data analytics.
The VarScout platform uses interactive voice response services and cloud-based applications to provide real-time soil testing and link farmers to markets. It enables agricultural officers to collect and analyze data on potato varieties, aiding in extension support and research. A recent review meeting with the County Government of Nakuru and CIP assessed the data collected and identified gaps for improvement.
The app is particularly relevant in Nakuru, a key potato-producing region, and aims to strengthen seed-system interventions by providing reliable field-level information. A CIP study indicated that Shangi is the most cultivated variety, and farmers using clean seed achieved better yields. The information from VarScout supports targeted extension services and helps researchers develop suitable potato varieties.
The County Government of Nakuru is committed to collaborating with research institutions to enhance potato production, access to quality seed, and resilience to climate change. By integrating digital data collection with agriculture, the county aims to improve productivity, incomes, and the resilience of its potato value chain.
