CHAP launches first international project

Potatoes are an important crop in Kenya, with approximately 800,000 people benefiting directly from potato production, however, PCN is an increasing problem for growers.

PCN can cause yield reductions of up to 80%. It is widespread in Kenya’s main potato growing areas, so farmers urgently need better tools to detect and quantify PCN.

The CHAP project, which was launched in November 2019, is a collaboration between CHAP, PES Technologies and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

The aim of this international consortium is to develop a PCN Assessment Tool that would enable farmers in Kenya to detect PCN in their fields. Armed with this knowledge, they would then be able to decide whether it would be most appropriate to plant their potato crops or act to tackle the PCN infestation.

By tackling PCN in potato production in Kenya, several other challenges will also be addressed, such as access to clean seed, crop rotation and improving soil health. However, before any of the above challenges are addressed, the farmer needs to know whether their field is infested with PCN, and if not, how to avoid infestation.

For more information go to CHAP Kenya PCN Project