About this course
Course overview
Sweet potato farming plays a crucial role in Kenya’s agriculture, significantly impacting food security, household livelihoods, and the national economy. Sweet potatoes are a nutritious tuber, widely consumed across all social classes in Kenya. They are not only a staple food that often replaces bread but also a key component in the diet of many households due to their rich nutritional benefits. They are a vital crop in combating micronutrient deficiencies due to their high vitamin and mineral content. The growing market demand for sweet potatoes is driven by their health benefits, making them an alternative to many consumers.
This manual aims to support a diverse range of stakeholders in the sweet potato value chain by providing practical and comprehensive guidance tailored to Kenya’s varied farming conditions. It offers insights into cultivating sweet potatoes effectively, considering the unique environmental and geographical factors of different regions to enhance productivity.
Additionally, the manual addresses current challenges in sweet potato farming, including unsustainable practices, and offers recommendations for adopting climate-resilient and environmentally friendly methods. It is an essential resource for smallholder and large-scale farmers looking to improve yields and maintain high-quality production. Agricultural students, professionals, scientists, and researchers will find valuable information that complements their studies and research, supporting ongoing advancements in sweet potato farming.
Course Objectives
To provide a comprehensive understanding of sweet potato production in Kenya, covering key agricultural practices and regional considerations.
To strengthen skills in sustainable sweet potato production techniques, promoting environmentally friendly and climate-resilient farming.
To offer a detailed overview of the current landscape of sweet potato production in Kenya, including trends and challenges.
To build proficiency in post-harvest management, with a focus on strategies to reduce losses and improve food safety.
Expected Outcomes
Improved understanding of sweet potato production in Kenya, including region-specific practices and environmental factors.
Enhanced capacity to implement sustainable practices along the sweet potato value chain, fostering climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Strengthened skills in applying best post-harvest strategies, effectively minimizing losses and waste while maintaining product quality.
Increased ability to identify and analyze gaps in sweet potato production, fostering opportunities for further research and innovation.
Target audience.
Smallholder farmers
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This module introduces sweet potato farming in Kenya, covering its economic significance, the major regions where sweet potatoes are grown, and the common varieties cultivated. The module also highlights the market demand for sweet potatoes in Kenya.
This module outlines best practices for cultivating sweet potatoes, encompassing site selection, land preparation, and planting techniques. It provides guidance on choosing suitable varieties based on market demand and climate conditions. Additionally, it details various propagation methods and offers specific recommendations for commercial production to optimize yield and quality.
This module covers the management of sweet potato crops throughout the growing season, including irrigation, weed control, fertilization, and pest management. Effective crop management is key to promoting healthy plants and maximizing yields. It also emphasizes the importance of soil health in sweet potato farming and offers detailed guidance on proper fertilizer use. It explores the benefits of both organic and inorganic fertilizers and highlights the importance of soil testing before planting to ensure optimal nutrient management.
This module covers the identification and management of common pests and diseases affecting sweet potato crops. It provides guidance on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the use of chemical and non-chemical control methods.
This module provides guidance on the proper timing and techniques for harvesting sweet potatoes. It also covers post-harvest handling, including sorting, grading, and storage to ensure high-quality roots.
