Nairobi: Value chain players in Kenya, Benin, and Zambia are set to benefit from a newly launched two-and-a-half-year project aimed at reducing the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, improving farm yields, and enhancing the marketing of fresh produce. With an initial investment of Sh35.5 million by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the initiative seeks to address the numerous rejections of Kenyan vegetables by the European market.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, titled Nature-based Microbial Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture Productivity in Sub Saharan Africa (NAMSSA), is being implemented ahead of new EU regulations on fresh produce, which will take effect next month. The EU accounts for up to 80 percent of Kenya’s fruit and vegetable sales, including 42 percent of flower exports. Dr. Joseph Mulema, Senior Scientist at CABI’s regional center for Africa in Nairobi, emphasized the project’s focus on supporting the registration of nature-based solutions, raising awareness among farmers, and supporting last-mile agri-input suppliers.
Dr. Mulema highlighted the collaboration between private sector players, researchers, and universities to drive the adoption of nature-based solutions in agriculture to mitigate losses due to pests. He noted that a lack of awareness among value chain actors regarding alternative pest control methods is a concern, and the project aims to build capacity among critical players concerning these solutions.
CABI is leading the implementation of the project, which addresses increasing reports of pest outbreaks, nutrient depletion, and soil degradation. Dr. Mulema noted that pests such as the fall armyworm on maize cause significant pre-and post-harvest losses, sometimes exceeding 100 percent in extreme cases involving soil-borne ailments.
The project will work with Twiga Chemicals on broccoli in Kenya, the University of Abomey-Calavi on maize in Benin, and Exotic Green Enterprises on legumes in Zambia. Dr. Mulema stated that the initiative aims to develop sustainable solutions to increase yields of key crops affected by pests and declining soil productivity. In Kenya, the focus is on testing XenTari, a biological insecticide effective against caterpillar pests, to improve broccoli exports and extend its use to other vegetables in the brassica family.
At the project’s conclusion, farmers are expected to conserve biodiversity in their fields, access safer foods, and benefit from affordable and accessible solutions. Edward Kitui, Twiga Chemicals Technical Manager for crop protection, shared plans to test biopesticides for managing soil-borne pests and insects like butterflies. He noted that while Kenya exports broccoli primarily to the Middle East and Europe, challenges such as caterpillar pests and Maximum Residue Level (MRL) issues affect sales, particularly to the EU.
Kitui emphasized the importance of collaboration with partners to ensure small-scale farmers access biodiversity-friendly products and sustainable food production methods. He also mentioned targeting 5,000 farmers through a comprehensive crop-based enhancement program involving extension officers, stockists, and farmers.
Dr. Elena Benedetti, Head of Fundraising and Technology Transfer at ICGEB, stated that project funding will come from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to develop bio-inoculant solutions for food security in Africa. She highlighted the partnership with CABI for capacity building, technology transfer, and funding provision, aiming to increase the acceptance and market penetration of local solutions on an international scale.
Dr. Benedetti also pointed out the project’s goal to reduce the import of materials like chemical fertilizers, which impact the country’s economy and finances, and make environment-friendly products more accessible to all partners. In 2024, the EU increased scrutiny of Kenyan fresh produce exports due to pest interceptions, prompting stricter pest management measures. The initiative aims to enhance nature-based solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa’s agrifood systems, addressing pest management and soil fertility improvements.
