Evaluation, Choice and Use of Potato Varieties in Kenya

摘要

The paper describes the role of the potato in the Kenyan food system, the distribution of potato varieties and how farmers evaluate and choose them. The Kikuyu and Meru tribal groups were found to be the main potato producers in Kenya where potatoes are attractive because of their dual nature as food and a cash crop. There are a great number of potato varieties in Kenya, both 'official' and 'local'. Nyayo, the most popular and widespread, is a local variety which is not officially recognized by the National Potato Program and is not produced as certified seed. Farmers use a number of objective and subjective criteria for choosing among varieties. Evaluation and choice of varieties are thus seen as two related but different activities. Farmers tend to grow a mix of varieties, some of which are dropped frequently because new varieties are substituted for seed renovation. Neighbors are a major source of information about new varieties and the community serves as a seed bank for farmers. Only a small percentage of farmers use certified seed.