Adoption of Quality Seed Potato Among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya: Evidence from Molo Sub County, Nakuru

Abstract ―​

Potato yields in Kenya have been declining, largely due to the use of low-quality seed potato. Sustainable production depends on a reliable supply of quality planting material, yet smallholder farmers continue to rely heavily on informal seeds; with only about two percent of farmers using certified seeds. Previous studies have emphasized socioeconomic factors influencing adoption, but uptake remains limited despite government and international interventions. This study assessed the level of quality seed potato adoption, identified major seed potato sources, and examined factors influencing farmers’ choices in Molo Sub County. A mixed-methods research design was adopted to collect data from a sample of 152 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. A focus group discussion (FGD) guide was used to gather data from 12 FGD participants. The 152 respondents were accessed from a population of 6,000 smallholder farmers in Molo Sub County through a multi-level sampling procedure. The results indicate that quality seed potato adoption remains low, with farmers opting for informal sources for seeds due to trust for the source, cost of seed potato, among other reasons. Findings are expected to inform policies aimed at strengthening sustainable seed systems and improving potato productivity among smallholder farmers.