New potato varieties for Kenyan farmers.

Kenyan potato farmers are getting a major boost in their long-standing fight against a destructive pest—the potato cyst nematode (PCN)

This microscopic pest attacks potato roots and can destroy up to 80% of a harvest, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. Its tiny cysts can survive in the soil for decades, making it an incredibly tough threat to eliminate. As described by Dr Danny Coyne of IITA, it’s a “silent killer” that’s often only discovered once yields have already dropped.

To help tackle this problem, two new potato varieties—Malaika and Glen—have been introduced in Kenya after more than a decade of research and collaboration. The breeding effort brought together local and international partners, including IITA, icipe, the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, CIP, KEPHIS, and private players like Greenvale. These new varieties are specifically bred to resist PCN while also meeting local farming needs like fast cooking, short dormancy, and the ability to regrow quickly for multiple planting seasons.

Malaika and Glen were officially listed in Kenya’s National Variety List by KEPHIS in July 2025, after performing well in national trials and passing the standards required by processors. Commercial growers have already started multiplying the seed through stem cuttings, with the first rollout to farmers expected as early as September 2025.

The impact could be transformative. Potatoes are Kenya’s second most important staple after maize, supporting an estimated 2.5mn people and contributing about US$500mn annually to the economy. PCN, along with another major pest known as Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP), is responsible for crop losses worth over US$636mn across East Africa each year.

John Jones, professor of the James Hutton Institute noted that the success of these new varieties reflects years of scientific work and international teamwork. “The importance of the collaboration with Kenyan research partners and regulators cannot be overstated,” he said. These varieties, originally developed for the UK, have been adapted to meet the climate and agronomic needs of Kenyan farmers.

With these PCN-resistant varieties, farmers can expect better yields, stronger plants, and a safer investment in their harvests. This development not only offers a practical solution to a major agricultural challenge, but also represents a leap forward in sustainable farming across East Africa.

Agri-Tech Tools for Enugu Farmers.

The Enugu State Government In Nigeria has launched a major agricultural support programme by distributing 40,000 bags of fertiliser and other critical farm inputs to registered farmers across the state

At the official flag-off, Peter Mbah, Governor confirmed that over 60,000 registered farmers would benefit from this phase of the free agricultural input distribution. The package includes fertilisers, pesticides, and cassava stems aimed at boosting productivity, ensuring food security, and reducing rural poverty.

Mbah described this effort as a step forward in transforming agriculture into a profitable and sustainable venture. He recalled that during the 2024 farming season, the state provided 12,000 bags of fertiliser along with power tillers, improved seedlings, cassava stems, and herbicides at no cost. According to him, that support led to strong harvests and helped lower food prices across Enugu.

“It is, therefore, a great pleasure for me to officially launch the distribution of over 40,000 free bags of fertiliser and essential farm inputs,” he said.

Mbah acknowledged farmers as the cornerstone of economic growth, said, “Our farmers are the strength of our communities — they cultivate the land and sustain us. Without their efforts, there can be no food, no development, and no progress.”

He also revealed that Farm Estates covering 200 hectares each are being established in all 260 political wards. These will feature modern irrigation systems, warehouses, tractor bays, and consistent power supply.

So far, 102 tractors have been delivered, with 98 more expected, and 800 additional units will be assembled locally at a new tractor assembly facility in Enugu. To support agricultural education and innovation, the Enugu State Polytechnic in Iwollo is being upgraded into a full-fledged University of Agriculture. Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and Agricultural Transformation Centres are also being rolled out across all senatorial zones.

Patrick Ubru,Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, praised the governor for restoring neglected state-owned agricultural projects and launching new initiatives, including the Enugu State Livestock Productivity Centre, a 3,000-hectare Cocoa Development Initiative, and a 2,000-unit greenhouse programme. He also highlighted the development of cashew export warehouses and the state’s funding of crop insurance for climate resilience.

Farmers and local leaders echoed their appreciation. Romanus Eze, AFAN Chairman, said, “The governor has not just provided us with agricultural inputs, he has brought modern mechanisation right to our doorstep.” Similarly, Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North LGA, applauded the inclusive and result-driven approach of the administration.

Farmers oppose residential development in Kisumu’s sugarcane farming Zone.

Sugarcane farmers in Miwani, Kisumu, have strongly objected to a proposal for residential development on over 100 acres of agricultural land

The protest erupted during a public consultation meeting held on Tuesday, which was organised by environmental consultants working on behalf of Safaricom Investment Cooperative Society, the new landowners. The meeting aimed to discuss land subdivision, fencing, beaconing, and murram grading but was abruptly cut short due to the farmers' strong opposition to the development plans.

The farmers, led by Zedekiah Otene, expressed concern that the land, currently designated for sugarcane farming, was being threatened by a change of use without official approval. They argued that no legal changes had been made to reclassify the land for residential purposes, making the proposal unlawful. Otene declared, "This is agricultural land, and there is no change of use. We reject this exercise in totality."

The opposition was supported by Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd (KSAIL), a major player in the region that relies on sugarcane from the contested land. Joyce Opondo, the company’s Group Corporate Affairs Manager, warned that permitting the conversion of agricultural land to residential development would have far-reaching consequences. "The land produces approximately 40,000 tonnes of sugarcane annually, which is critical for job creation, tax revenue, and foreign exchange," Opondo explained. "Allowing residential development would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging the conversion of more vital agricultural land into housing estates."

Local residents attending the forum echoed similar concerns. Michael Ngeso, a local resident, emphasised that the land should remain focused on agricultural use, stating, "Safaricom can engage in any agricultural activity, but not turn the land into residential plots."

Further dissatisfaction arose as the farmers questioned the transparency of the consultation process. They argued that the public participation was not adequately publicised and did not meet the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations. Moreover, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) had not issued an EIA licence for the project, prompting farmers to refuse to complete questionnaires handed out by the consultants.

The farmers urged NEMA to adhere to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which they believe should focus on preserving crucial agricultural zones to safeguard food security and economic stability. In closing, they called on Safaricom to reconsider the project, urging, “Let them withdraw from this project and allow the government to focus on food and cash crop production for the good of the nation.”

he use of digestate in smallholder cabbage farming has proven to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields.

In South Africa, smallholder cabbage farmers are benefiting from an innovative, sustainable agricultural practice using digestate-a byproduct of biogas production

Digestate, rich in organic matter and nutrients, is being integrated into farming practices as a natural fertilizer, providing a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

The use of digestate in smallholder cabbage farming has proven to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields, addressing key challenges such as soil degradation and high fertilizer costs. The process of digestate production involves converting organic waste into biogas, which generates renewable energy. The leftover digestate is then used as a nutrient-rich soil amendment, reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.

For smallholder farmers, especially those in rural areas, digestate offers a sustainable solution to several pressing issues. These farmers typically struggle with the high cost of commercial fertilizers, which often hinder productivity. By adopting digestate, farmers not only reduce input costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fertilizers.

The integration of digestate into cabbage farming also aligns with South Africa's broader agricultural sustainability goals. It promotes circular economy principles by repurposing agricultural waste into a valuable resource, benefiting both farmers and the environment. Additionally, the use of digestate has shown to improve soil health, water retention, and overall crop resilience, particularly in regions affected by erratic rainfall and drought.

As more farmers adopt digestate as part of their farming practices, its potential to revolutionize smallholder agriculture in South Africa grows. The practice not only supports food security by boosting crop yields but also helps farmers achieve greater sustainability, making it a game-changer for the agricultural sector.

By embracing biogas technology and digestate, South Africa’s smallholder farmers are moving towards a more resilient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly farming future.