By Maureen Olindi & John Ekadeli
Tomato production is a key agricultural activity in Kenya, vital for the country’s economy and food security. Despite year-round cultivation in various regions, domestic production cannot meet market demand, leading to imports from Tanzania. Kajiado County, the leading region for commercial tomato production, benefits from diverse climatic conditions but faces challenges such as pest outbreaks, high input costs, limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers, lack of knowledge on agronomic practices, and poor infrastructure. The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) addresses these issues through initiatives like the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), offering training and promoting research on improved tomato varieties. Kajiado is a focus area for these efforts to enhance tomato commercialization
The primary issues are pest and disease outbreaks, especially from Tuta absoluta, whiteflies, and thrips, which lead to substantial yield losses.
A tomato crop grappling with the effects of plant disease
Additionally, the high cost of quality inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides makes it difficult for smallholder farmers to access these necessities. Many farmers also lack knowledge in good agronomic practices, chemical use, and postharvest handling. Moreover, a poor road network hampers their ability to transport their perishable tomato produce to markets on time.
To address these challenges, KALRO, through the KAFACI and NAVCDP projects, has initiated a tomato commercialization program in Kajiado. This initiative aims to transform the region renowned for its tomato production potential into a model of agricultural efficiency and profitability.
Mr. Robert and Mr. Berrick Ochieng training farmers on the Soil Analyzer tool and on tomato pests and diseases, respectively Photo by Maureen
KALRO has trained farmers in the region in;
- seed production methods, i.e. how to produce seedlings through rapid multiplication that is hydroponics,
- good agronomic practices eg spacing, pruning and maintaining of tomato plasters, pest and disease management, and postharvest handling as 50% of produce go into waste during this stage,
- Safe use of chemicals on when to spray and harvest the next crop plus the management of key pests like the tuta absoluta, white fly and thrips using environmental friendly methods, and
- Tomato Value addition like jam paste and juice. The organization has also introduced disease resistant and early maturing tomato varieties.
Mr. Harun training instructing farmers on good agronomic practices. Photo by Maureen
By addressing these challenges KALRO strongly believe tomato farming in Kajiado will continue to thrive and expand, benefiting farmers and the wider community.
Mr.Vincent Ochieng the lead implementer of the tomatoes project in KALRO explained “Through our programs, particularly the NAVCDP project, KALRO has trained farmers in the region on tomato commercialization. We have provided training in seed production techniques, including the rapid multiplication of seedlings through hydroponics to offset the high cost of seeds,” says Vincent, a crop breeder from KALRO. “Additionally, we have educated farmers on good agronomic practices such as proper tomato spacing during transplanting, pruning, and maintaining tomato plants, as well as pest and disease management. Emphasis has been placed on postharvest handling to reduce the 50% loss of produce at this stage. Training also covers the safe use of chemicals, including when to spray and harvest, and managing key pests like Tuta absoluta, whitefly, and thrips using environmentally friendly methods. Lastly, we have taught farmers how to add value to tomatoes by making products like jam, paste, and juice.”
Mr Vincent Ochieng, KALRO crop breeder. Photo by Ekadeli
Vincent also highlighted KALRO’s introduction of disease-resistant and early-maturing tomato varieties, a move aimed at addressing some of the significant challenges farmers face, thereby making tomato farming more beneficial to Kajiado’s farmers and the wider community.
Improperly disposed chemical bottles .Photo by Ekadeli
One of the beneficiaries of these initiatives is Kimani, a tomato farmer in Rombo Ward, Kajiado County. “I spend approximately Ksh 400,000 to cultivate one acre of tomatoes. We face numerous challenges, particularly with pests and diseases. Tuta absoluta is especially prevalent in this region, and the cost of pesticides and fertilizers is very high,” he says. Kimani appreciates KALRO’s training programs, noting that the knowledge gained has been immensely beneficial. “We have learned a lot of things from the programs, which are very beneficial.”
Mr Kimani tomato farmer in Rombo ward Kajiado County. Photo by Ekadeli
As KALRO continues its efforts in Kajiado, there is hope that the county’s tomato farming will not only thrive but also expand, benefiting both the farmers and the broader community. The initiatives and training provided by KALRO are crucial steps towards overcoming the existing challenges and ensuring sustainable growth in tomato production in Kajiado County.
KALRO scientists and Rombo farmers pose for a group photo after a successful training session. Photo by Maureen
