Improving consistency of yields and quality of large-scale and small-holder bean production in Kenya by precision management of soil, water and pathogens
Lead Participant:
PROVENANCE PARTNERS LIMITED
Abstract
Delivering consistent supplies of high quality fresh produce is a significant challenge for Kenya’s fresh
veg. growers. Yields of beans range from 5 to 50T/ha and up to 40% of produce is of poor quality, due to
ineffective irrigation and soil-borne diseases. A 12% increase in average yield and a 20% reduction in
waste would raise Class 1 yields by 978T/year; this would generate an extra £3.2M/year, increase food
security and improve soil management practices. We will: 1) Develop irrigation scheduling tools to
improve consistency of cropping; 2) Identify effects of biocontrol agents on soil pathogens and soil
microbiome 3) Determine effects of soil water availability on incidence and severity soil pathogens and
efficacy of biocontrol agents; 4) Develop integrated control measures to improve Class 1 yields, quality
and shelf-life; 5) Promote benefits of precision irrigation and biocontrol at workshops/on-farm demos;
6) Assess social and economic impacts of outputs and implement sustainability improvement plans.
veg. growers. Yields of beans range from 5 to 50T/ha and up to 40% of produce is of poor quality, due to
ineffective irrigation and soil-borne diseases. A 12% increase in average yield and a 20% reduction in
waste would raise Class 1 yields by 978T/year; this would generate an extra £3.2M/year, increase food
security and improve soil management practices. We will: 1) Develop irrigation scheduling tools to
improve consistency of cropping; 2) Identify effects of biocontrol agents on soil pathogens and soil
microbiome 3) Determine effects of soil water availability on incidence and severity soil pathogens and
efficacy of biocontrol agents; 4) Develop integrated control measures to improve Class 1 yields, quality
and shelf-life; 5) Promote benefits of precision irrigation and biocontrol at workshops/on-farm demos;
6) Assess social and economic impacts of outputs and implement sustainability improvement plans.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
PROVENANCE PARTNERS LIMITED | £105,026 | £ 47,262 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
VEGPRO (KENYA) LTD | ||
NIAB. | £378,343 | £ 378,343 |
VEGPRO (K) LTD | £212,211 | £ 75,000 |
WEATHERQUEST LIMITED | £28,081 | £ 12,620 |
NATIONAL INST OF AGRICULTURAL BOTANY | ||
FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE KENYA LIMITED | £106,443 | £ 37,255 |
INNOVATE UK | ||
FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE INVESTMENTS LIMITED |
People |
ORCID iD |
Hilary Whittingham (Project Manager) |