Surveillance of potato diseases in Kenya
Potato is one of the most widely grown crops in Kenya. The sector contributes almost USD 30m per year and employs 3.3 million people. Â However, the yield has been reducing significantly over the last decade, 12.4 t/ha below the global average of 21 t/ha. This has been attributed to a number of problems but the most important being the high incidence of pests and diseases, some of which are seed and soil-borne. CABI is conducting a surveillance exercise to identify and map the distribution of Pectobacterium and Dickeya species which cause blackleg and soft rots and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus which causes ring rot. The results from the study will advise on the required regulatory framework for the certification of seed potato and provide information for better management and control.
Promoting domestic coffee consumption in Africa
Coffee is a primary source of income for more than 12 million households in Africa, and, in particular for rural-based populations. Over 38% of the total population of Burundi, 23% Tanzania, 22% Uganda, 17% Côte d’Ivoire and 14% Ethiopia, for example, depend on coffee farming. Production of the crop has, for over two decades, been on a downward spiral in the continent, Ethiopia and Uganda excluded, driven by low and volatile international coffee prices. Increasing domestic coffee consumption is, therefore, seen as a viable avenue for cushioning coffee smallholders in Africa against price decline and volatility. CABI is undertaking this study to identify the factors underpinning domestic coffee consumption, the potential market size and possible paths for facilitating its growth. The study will provide statistical evidence on the existing market landscape and the concomitant investment opportunities.
Improving Pakistan’s food value chains through certification and quality assurance
Despite sufficient availability of natural resources, in Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Pakistan, constraints are faced throughout the value chain. Growth opportunities provided by domestic and global agriculture markets can therefore not be met. The aim of this project is to help create stronger food value chains in Pakistan by introducing certification facilities, improved market linkages, and a move towards more innovative, technology-based agriculture that makes better use of the natural resources.
Establishing model farms in Pakistan
The Government of Punjab in Pakistan want to enhance its exports by 30%. However, the horticulture chain is facing difficulties exporting to international markets because produce is not meeting quality and safety standards. This project will establish model farms and build the capacity of those in the value chain, whilst building important linkages with local and international markets.