CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In Kenya, the agricultural sector continues to be the backbone of the national economy
constituting directly 25% Gross Domestic product and 60% of export earning.

However majority of Kenyan population is still food insecure. Estimates available indicates
that about 56% of the population lack access to adequate food and even little they get, is of
poor nutritional value and quality.

The incidence and prevalence of food insecurity is more severe in arid and semi- arid lands
due to erratic rainfall and lack of adequate resources.

Foodstuff brought from the neighbouring agricultural groups supplement their diets are
almost out of reach to majority due to its high cost and are not always available. Jeffrey
(1990) adds that in the absence of aggressive initiatives, to promote the potentiality diverse
alternative economic activities the outlook is bleak.

Current days, drought are even more serious than the old one due to destruction of
environment especially forests to give rain for the fast population increase. To cope with the
situation growing of Irish potatoes, which performs well, is timely planted to ensure food
security for the community.

In Kenya the Irish potatoes is classified as horticultural crop. It is an early source of food
earning cash and is grown twice per year mainly for subsistence. This tuber has become a
stable food especially in rural areas. The natural potential of the highlands characterized by
fertile soils and good rainfall has not been fully realized. Yields have been low that is 5 – 20
tones/ ha due to poor seed quality, Pest and diseases control and low soil fertility. Irish
potatoes have been dealt with as a minor crop besides the difficulties in producing certified
seeds, by research there problems in pricing and distribution.

However, the rate of adoption of the innovations by farmers is also very important as this
affects performance of Irish potatoes in terms of yields and income.

Adoption id the decision to make full use of an innovation as the best course of action
available while innovation is an idea, practice or object that is perceived by an individual. It
is a fact that farmers do not at all access a new idea at the same time. This leads to gradual
acceptance thus the interference that farmers differ in their willingness to accept a new idea.
Thus, there is low production of Irish potatoes in this area. Some of the causes of this low
productivity could be factors like access to markets and technology research and training.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Food insecurity has been a major threat to Bureti residents, Cheborgei division who for long
time have been growing other crops such as maize, beans, millet and sorghum. To curb these
problem, Irish potatoes whose potential is high has to be introduced in Cheborhei division,
which has a favourable climate condition, and fertile soils. Despite the efforts made by
extension officers to secure food for them, the production of Irish potatoes has been low. The
reasons for this low production have not been fully investigated.

This study therefore, intends to investigate and uncover the cause of this low productivity of
Irish potato in Cherbogei division, Bureti district.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The study intended to determine the cause of low productivity of Irish potatoes among the
Bureti in Cherbogei division.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This study was guided by the following objectives;

i) To determine the level of adoption of Irish potatoes technologies among the Bureti
farmers in Cheborgei division.
ii) To describe the influence of other factors such as availability of the input,
research, training and acess to market on the adoption and production of irish
potatoes in Cheborgei division.

1.5 HYPOTHESIS

There is no statistical difference in the adoption and production levels of various irish potato
technologies among the Bureti farmers in Cheborgei division.

1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT

The study was significant in the production of Irish potato is fairly a new economic activity in
Cheborgei division, where the crop has not been grown. The study was carried out to
understand the low productivity of Irish potatoes among the farmers. The findings of this
study were to benefit several groups of people. The Bureti community may benefit by being
empowered to effectively exploit their environment and other resources through growing of
irish potatoes thereby raising their economic status.

The farmers may also be empowered to diversify their economic status, that is that of dairy
livestock, growing of maize, beans, millet and Irish potato farming in order supplement their
diet. The findings of this study may also benefit the government, agricultural extension
service and other extension providers by identifying causes of low productivity of Irish
potatoes. This way the agricultural extension service may be able to formulate appropriate
interest to assist the farmers attain maximum production of Irish potatoes thus contributing
more to household food supply and income. .

Policy makers in the government may benefit as they may also use the findings to formulate
favourable policies aimed at solving problems affecting Irish potatoes production among the
farmers, contributing more towards overall national Irish potatoes production thus
contributing to overall food security. Also the policy makers will be convinced by the
findings of the study to invest in infrastructure and other sectors in favour of production of
Irish potatoes.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The project done at Cheborgei division, in Bureti district.

The project was done with the aim of improving the productivity of Irish potatoes among
Cheborgei residents. It was mainly focusing on the institutional factors such as the
availability of the inputs as well as the rate of adoption, to bring about the solution of the
problem.

The project demonstrated the use of fertilizers and no fertilizers on the red soils in Bureti
District. The project demonstrated the use of various varieties in Bureti division. The trainee
achieved the results hence be in a position to come up with the better variety suiting Bureti
District, thus improving their diet as well as improving the economic standards.

1.8 LIMITATIONS

i) Topography – Irish potatoes grows well in high altitude areas. The altitude should be 1
500m up to 3000 m above sea level. There below this level, diseases are more prevalent thus
leading to low production.

ii) Unfavourable rainfall distribution- for the good growth of Irish potatoes therefore, regular
rainfall is required about 750 mm, during the growing period. As a result of poor rainfall, the
production of Irish potatoes will be less.

1.9 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

I) Adoption

Adoption refers to the decision to make full use of an idea. In this study, this implies Bureti
resident utilization of selected Irish potato technologies.

ii) Culture

Culture of the society is the accepted way of doing things in that particular society.

iii) Irish potato

It is classified as a Kenyan horticultural crop. Aspects of technologies such as farm operation,

planting certified seeds, potato chartings, fertilizers/ manure use, pets and diseases control,
potato harvesting and post harvesting and crop handling are necessary for its success.

iv) Production

This is the combination of farm inputs in farming in order to give high yields.
CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter it will entail the importance of Irish potatoes and how they van benefit the
community and other communities in Kenya and also possible causes of low productivity.

2.2 IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE REVIEW

The Irish potato is among the major food crops after maize, beans, sorghum, millet, wheat
and rice. In yields internationally, Irish potato outrank all other crops harvested. Irish potato
can be grown three times a year. These Irish potatoes have also the advantage of being less
fattening than other foods in the diet.

They are excellent source of vitamin C, and an good source of potassium, phosphorus and
iron.

These potatoes are mainly required for their chips and crisps which are generally cheap and
easy to prepare. They are highly consumed in Kenya’s urban areas. A number of small- scale
industries contribute economically, nutritionally and provide employment. Most of the Irish
potatoes in Kenya occur in highlands of central, Eastern and Rift valley provinces, districts in
the Mau ranges, Aberdares ranges and the slopes of MT. Kenya. Other highlands such as Mt.
Elgon in Western province and Taita – Taveta in the southern boarder region with Tanzania
have also started growing Irish potatoes on commercial basis. Therefore, the main districts
growing potatoes includes meru, Kiambu, Nauku, Kisii, Nyandarua, Trans- Nzoia, Liakipia,
and Uasin Gishu.

Over 70% of potato output is said to have come from highlands of altitude 2100m above sea
level.

It is in areas above 2100m that research stations and non – governmental organizations have
also encouraged growing of potatoes for seeds. Food agricultural organization (FAO) statics
indicate that from 1961, production of Irish potato had steadily increased till 1980- when it
fell back to levels of 1961.

The output rose again sharply reaching 500 000 metric tines before plunging back to 200 000
metric tones in 1984. After various years of unstable production output has again steadily
increased since 1995; however, it is yet to reach the volume attained in 1996 (499 000) metric
tones. This trend indicates that Irish potatoes yields in Kenya have been falling at a rate of
11% per year.

Chborgei division meets the requirements of planting the Irish potatoes crop and this can
benefit farmers here and other parts of Kenya if well exploited.
2.3 ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS

i) Altitude

Irish potato grows best above 1 500m and up to 30000m above sea level. Potato propagation
should be undertaken above 23m as below this diseases are more prevalent.

ii) Rainfall

For good growth, regular rainfall is required of bout 750mm during growing period.

iii) Soils

Irish potatoes require deep well- drained fertile and easy working soils. Medium loam soils
are the best as heavy soils restrict tuber growth.

Varieties

Variety Yield Storage Drought Maturity Tuber Skin Fresh Resistance

quality resistance shape colour colour to blight
Kenya High Good Some Late Oval White White Fair
Baraka resistance
Roslin High Poor Fair Medium Oval White White Good
Tana
Roslin Mediu Good Resistant Medium Flat White White Good
Gucha m round
Kerris Mediu Very Resistant Early Round Pink Cream Poor
pink m good
Roslin Mediu Very Poor Medium Oval White White Fair
Ebur m high Good
(B53)
Desiree Mediu Fair Slightly Medium Long Red Light Poor
m susceptible Oval yellow
Tigoni High Good Fair Late Oval White Cream Good
round
Kenya High Good Fair Late Long White White Poor
dhamana
Tinet High Good Good Early Oval White Pale Fair
round yellow

2.4 PLANTING MATERIAL

It is recommended to use certified seeds, which are well sprouted with 4-5 sprouts. Sprats are
out growths from the ‘eyes’ of the tubers. Good sprouting of seeds tuber ensures uniform
stand and early emergency, hence utilization of viable moisture residing into higher yields.

2.5 LAND PREPARATION

These seedbed should be prepared early to give time for weeds to desiccate. Ploughing
should be done to remove couch and kikuyi grass and other weeds. The soil should be well
broken to avoid large crumbs and to allow soil aeration. Potatoes should be planted in ridges
to allow for tuber moth. In ridging there is reduction of greening of the tubers, which may
occur if these are exposed to light.

2.6 FERTILIZERS

Potato plant is grass feeder of potash, nitrogen and phosphorus. The tuber account for 60% to
90% of the nutrients in adequate quantities at the right time if yields are to be maximized.

Nitrogen increases yields through increased leaf area and leaf area duration. Phosphate
promotes early development of the crop and tuberization. Nitrogen and phosphate should be
applied together during planting. The fertilizer is applied in furrows and mized with the soil
thoroughly to avoid contact with seeds to avoid seed scorching and rotting.

During planting 200kg/ ha opf Di ammonium phosphate, after they have emerged 300kg/ha,
CAN ids applied. Where potash is deficient in the soils, maraute of potash should be applied
again during planting. Organic manure shows much response to Irish potatoes and yields are
increased greatly.

2.7 HARVESTING

The crop matures after 3- 6 months depending on variety. Potatoes should not be left in the
ground for more than 2 to 3 weeks after maturity and particularly once the tops are removed
because of danger of attack by tuber moth and other soils insects and rats. High yields are
obtained by leaving the potatoes in the ground till they mature.

They are harvested and grading is done depending on sizes.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides the methodology for attaining the objectives of the study, it describes
the description of the research design, sampling procedure, instrumentation, data collection
and analysis.

3.2 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENTS

Below were the various materials used in the study of possible cause sof low productivity of
Irish potato in Cheborgei division.

Materials Quantity
 Tape measure - 1

Marking pegs - 8

Panga- 4

Tuber - 1 debe

Jembe - 1

Fertilizer - 4 kg DAP, 2 kg CAN

Organic manure - 4 debers

CHEMICALS - 300 ML Ridomii and 100mg Furadan

Sprayers -

Labour - person

3.3 PROJECT DESIGN

The study was carried out in four plots and each of the plots was measuring 1.5m x 1.5m.

The spacing from one plot to another was 0.5m. The plots were as follows;
1.5 M

1.5 M
A 0.5 M B 1.5 M

1.5 M

A1 0.5 M B1
1.5 M 1.5 M

1.5 M 1.5 M

KEY

A – Irish potatoes planted using fertilizers with earthing up being done.

A1 – Irish potatoes planted without using fertilizerts with erathing up.

B – Irish potatoes without fertuilizers and earthing up not done.

B1 – Irish potatoes planted without fertilizers but earthing up done.

3.4 PLANTING

The trainee first chatted and allowed them to sprout. Good sprouting of seed tubers ensures
uniform and early emergency, hence maximum utyilization of available moisture, hence
resulting into higher yields.

Ridges were made 75 cm apart at the cresty with the potatoes 30 – 35 sm apart in rows and 10
cm deep. The trainee placed the seed tubers in the furrows with the sprouts facing up. The
seed tiubers were then covered with a thin layer of soil on top and dry grass on top as much.

Ridges are made to allow for tiber expansion and make harvesting easier.

It also reduces greening of the tubers that may occur if exposed to sunlight. The ridges were
made as follows;

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The drest provided soil for earthing up which allows for tuber expansion.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The trainee carried this project with the aim of getting knowledge of possible causes of loe
productivity of Irish Potato. The trainee was comparing the production when fertilizer is used
and when it is not used.

The trainee obtained the data ,analyzed and booked them in the record books for reference .

The aim was to discover best ways of producing potatoes in the area.

4.2 SAMPLES AND SAMPLING PROCEDURES.

The trainee was collecting the results as per the replicates. Each replicate was to be attended
daily based on different parameters.

Germination percentage ,pest attack ,disease attack and growth rate were the parameters
recorded on the daily report book.

The samples were planted seed tubers that the trainee termed as treatment.

A random sample of four potato plant (Treatments) was picked from each replicate using
stratified random procedure .It was found that the germination percentage was moderate due
to pest infestation in some replicates.

It was also found that the replicates that the agronomic practices were involved recorded high
yield of high quality irish potato.

4.3 INSTRUMENTS OF DATA COLLECTION.

Instrument Quantity.

Note book 1

Biro pens 2

Tape measure 1

Weighing balance 1

Ruler 1

4.4 INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES.

The trainee was attending the project on a daily basis. She collected the data as per
parameters recorded. The notebook was used to record data. Ruler was used to make columns
for each parameters. Biro pens were used to write the observed information on the note book.

Tape measure was seed to measure the growth length of the plant so as to determine the
growth rate. The weighing balance was used to weigh the yield for each replicate so as to
know the production level for each replicate.

DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION.

The trainee obtained the highest yield on potatoes that were planted with fertilizer and
earthing up being done. The yields were measured in kilograms by use of a weighing scale.
This was to get the total yields obtained from each replicate.

The trainee determined the rate of growth by taking their measurements after every wee .The
rate of growth of potatoes planted with fertilizer and earthed up was vigorous compared with
thos planted without fertilizer.
The growing height of the earthed up with fertilizers was higher than those planted without
fertilizer.

The table below shows the results that were obtained by the trainee from the plot after the
data analysis.

Replicate Treatment Height (CM) Vigour Yields (Kshs)

A Tigoni 4-CM GOOD 40 KGS
B Tigoni 65CM Excellent 50Kgs
A1 Tigoni 25CM Fairly Good 30Kgs
B1 Tigoni 30CM Fairly Good 20 Kgs

CHAPTER FIVE.

5.0 INTRODUCTION.

This chapter summarizes the project work that was carried out by the trainee in
Cheborgei ,Bureti Disctrict.She came up with clear information that the possible causes of
low production of irish potato n Chebore division due to low rate of adoption among the
farmers .Lack of knowledge and skills due to poor extension service ha also been the cause of
low production of Irish potato in Cheborgei divison.

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS.

i) In the resrach for high quality and quantity varieties by resrach institutes ,it is vital to
consider the short term and long term effects of environment.

ii) Lots of resrach into biological control of pests and disease is commendable especially in
this time when people are conscious ,howver theior practicalibility for the farmers and their
side effects need to e emphasesed .

iii) The trainee recommends the use of mnanure as it adds fertility to soil ,it caters for soil
erosion by implroving soil structure.

5.2 CONCLUSION.

Going through all stages of production ,the trainee concluded that Cheborgei divison has
potential of high production of Irish potato.

The area meets the requirements of Irish potato production.

Irish potato production will be successful if the farmers adopts the production methods from
the extension officers.

5.3 BUDGETING.

The table below shows the trainee budget:-

ITEM QUANTITY AMOUNT (KSHS)

Potato tubers 1 Debe 300
Planting line 1 50
Jembe 1 200
Weighing scale 1 350
Panga 1 150
Tape measure 1 150
Wateringcan 1 350
Ruler 1 50
Fertilizer 4Kg DAP 240
2kg CAN 100
Organic manure 4 DEbes 200
Note book 1 25
Biri pens 2 20
Ridomil 300ml 240
Furadan 100mg 100
Labour 1 500
Total

5.5 CALENDAR OF WORK.

DATE ACTIVITY REMARKS

28/1/2010 Site selection and land
clearing and destumping
1/2/2010 Primary cultivation
22/2/2010 Secondary cultivation
24/2/2010 Mixing manure with the soil
and leveling the sed bed
3/3/2010 Making rdges for plantingthe
irish potato tubers
5/3/2010 Planting of Irish potatoes on
the furrows.1st mix the
fertilizer with soil and then
place the tuber on the furrow
and cover lightly with soil
13/3/2010 Earthing up
21/3/2010 Weding and earthing up
27/3/2010 Spraying with Ridomil
5/4/2010 Top dressing with cacium
To remove vegetation and
stumps
To kill weeds especially
perennial weeds of the grass
family.
To remove weeds that had
germinated after primary
tillage and to obtain the
required tilth.
To ensure uniform
desitribution of manure
To allow for root expansion
To avoid scording of the seed
by fertilizer.
To cover the emerged shoots
so as to have ample rot
development
To avoid competition of
nutrients with weeds.
To control blight
To enhance proper tuber
 ammonium nitrate (CAN) expansion.
5/5/2010 Hrvesting of the produce Good yields were realized
10/5/2010 Weighing the produce 90 kg per plot measuring
1.5m x 1.5m

REFERENCE.

1. KARI Quaterly bulletin –Volume 4

2. Secondary agriculture –Student book 3 old edition.

APPENDIX 1

The picture below shows the trainee nspecting her irish plot.To check for some pests and
diseases.