Digital information service helps small-scale farmers respond to COVID-19
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Access to accurate and timely information is crucial for farmers all around the world, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many farmers rely on digital services, especially those delivered through platforms accessible via mobile phones, to access this information. But for many small-scale farmers in rural and remote areas, this kind of access remains a challenge.
This is especially true in Kenya. The majority of Kenyans own at least a basic mobile phone and are therefore able to receive communications like simple text messages. However, digital support for small-scale farmers remains patchy, and in some cases is non-existent.
Daily Monitor
Saturday March 13 2021
Resorting to modified Bacillus thuringiensis maize might be a big turning point for Kenya s agricultural sector. PHOTO/FILE.
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The Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has concluded trials for stem borer-resistant maize varieties that will potentially double the country’s maize yield while greatly reducing production costs in pesticide application.
The Kenyan government is now looking to commercialise the genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis maize after a 10-year trial phase ran across the country.
It hopes this sets the country on course to becoming a net maize exporter by doubling its production potential as has been the case with countries that have already adopted the technology.
For many years Elda Mariam, a maize farmer from Nambale sub-county, Busia County has been harvesting a maximum of Seven bags in her one-acre parcel. This could however change with the introduction of Bt Maize variety in that locality.
“Maize farming has been a big loss to me. I incur a lot of expenses including the use of chemical sprays and fertilizer, but the yield has not been good,” says disheartened Mariam.
Mariam, however, confides that with the information she has received during Bt Maize’s sensitization meeting at Alupe in Busia, she hopes for better yields.
She told Africa Science News that with the introduction of Bt Maize technology, farmers in Busia county and western Kenya have a reason to smile for the beckoning fortunes after scientists/researchers availed the new variety in the region.