CIP Working Papers

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Digital Revolution in Farmer Fields: VarScout Unveils Kenya's Varietal Landscape – The Case of Potato
(Working Paper, 2025-01) Gatto, M.; Borus, D.; Malit, J.; Kihiu, E.; Barker, I.; Echessa, L.; Soto-Torres, J.; Meyer, A.
This paper reports on data collected through VarScout, a digital crowdsourcing tool, to monitor varietal adoption, turnover, seed use, and yields. Key findings for the case of potato in Kenya include: (1) Shangi is the dominant variety, covering 73% of the area, followed by Steven (7%) and Sherekea (6%); (2) the weighted average varietal age is 9.3 years, with newer varieties performing better; (3) 19.5% of farmers use clean seed, with higher adoption in Nakuru (21.5%) compared to Bungoma (1.5%); (4) farmers using clean seed achieve 1.5 t/ha higher yields than those using saved seed. The study demonstrates the utility of VarScout for cost-effective data collection, while highlighting the need for further methodological improvements and ground-truthing. The findings underscore the significant impact of CIP's breeding efforts, with over 50% of the pedigree of key popular varieties linked to CIP's genebank. The paper provides insights to inform seed system interventions and guide future breeding priorities in Kenya.
Analysis of return on investment of sweetpotato seed system interventions in Uganda
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Feukeng, F.; Rajendran, S.; Otieno, D.; Okello, J.J.
It is becoming increasingly important for researchers to document the economic and social benefits of new agricultural technologies and efforts made in the research and development of such technologies. This is necessitated by scarcity of financial resources and the increasing pressure from different stakeholders for research and development to generate welfare improvement changes at the smallholder farmer level in sub-Saharan Africa. The current study analyzed the economic impact of the seed system interventions implemented in Uganda by the International Potato Center through two projects: Development and Delivery of Biofortified Crops at scale (DDBIO) and Genetic Advances and Innovative Seed Systems for Sweetpotato (SWEETGAINS). The projects received US$1.463 million and US$ 15 million from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The economic surplus and cost-benefit analysis approaches were utilized to estimate aggregate economic benefits and return on investment. Results revealed that during the 23-year lifespan, for every dollar invested, US$ 88.07 was generated for a 6% discount rate, while at a 12% discount rate, every dollar invested generated US$ 82.88 in return. Similarly, the net present value at 6% was US$ 1,626.38 million, while at 12%, it was US$ 1,729.78 million. The overall internal rate of return (IRR) was found to be 50%. Thus, the investments generated positive returns and should be upscaled.
Machine Learning Approach for Prediction of Area Under Cultivation and Production for Vegetatively Propagated Crops
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Ahishakiye, E.; Ogero, K.; Namada, S.; Rajendran, S.
Vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs) such as cassava, sweet potatoes, and bananas, are a key component in ensuring food security for the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In agricultural planning and seed system management, it is essential to accurately predict the area under cultivation, production volumes, and yield rates of these crops. Traditional forecasting methods have fallen short in capturing the complexity of VPC production, as there are nonlinear relationships and dynamic environmental factors at play. This paper overcomes these shortcomings by using machine learning models to enhance the forecasting accuracy using data from the Seed Requirement Estimation (SRE) tool. We applied Random Forest, AdaBoost, and a Stacked Ensemble Model to forecast the area under cultivation and production volume in tons. After hyperparameter tuning, the Stacked Model performed better, yielding R² values of 0.8260 for area prediction and 0.7883 for production forecasting, outperforming the individual models. The results reflect the potential of the ensemble learning model to improve the accuracy of agricultural forecasts. The study emphasizes the role that advanced predictive models can play in enhancing agricultural policy decisions based on data, optimizing seed distribution, and ensuring food security in VPC-dependent regions.
Farmers’ demand for quality and nutritionally enhanced sweetpotato planting material: Evidence from experimental auctions in Rwanda
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Okumu, B.; Rajendran, S.; Okello, J.J.; Maredia, M.; Ward, Patrick S.; Gatto, M.; Nshimiyimana, J.; Kilwinger, F.; Sindi, K.; David, S.
In sub-Saharan Africa, most farmers source sweetpotato vines from neighboring farmers or their plots during the previous season. However, in the absence of “clean” vines produced with good agricultural 13 practices, farmer-to-farmer vine exchanges and own-saved vines tend to encourage the accumulation of pests and diseases that ultimately affect yields. Despite this, the demand for nutritionally rich variety and biofortified crop orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) is limited due to farmers’ unfamiliarity with the product and its novel attributes. In this study, we investigate demand for quality sweetpotato vine and 17 nutritional attributes of the crop using a second price experimental auction approach to determine the 18 premium price, farmers are willing to pay for these attributes and investigate drivers of market demand. 19 The study revealed that in the absence of information on the source of vines, maturity and resistance to 20 diseases, farmers are willing to pay a premium of about 35 Rwandan Francs for high-quality vines sourced 21 from the trained seed multipliers. However, with the provision of information on the source of vines, 22 maturity, and resistance to diseases of the vines, the premium price increases significantly to 133.71 23 Rwandan francs and to 107.22 Rwandan Francs after the provision of visual information depicting the 24 performance of the vines in demonstration plots. The premium price also increases significantly for vines 25 sourced from neighbors to about 74.35 Rwandan francs, which further increases to 151.53 Rwandan francs 26 when nutrition information is provided to the farmers. It is therefore evident that the provision of 27 information and demonstration of the performance of the crops is important for the adoption of improved 28 variety and increases the effective demand.
Business Investment Decision (BID) Tool for strengthening seed business
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Jayanth, R.; Rajendran, S.
The seed sector is critical to agricultural productivity, yet entrepreneurs in this space face significant challenges, including limited financial management skills, operational inefficiencies, financial constraints, and lack of market reach. These issues are compounded by the reliance on ad-hoc, manual processes for decision-making. To address these challenges, this report introduces the Business Investment Decision (BID) tool, a comprehensive digital platform designed to empower seed-sector entrepreneurs and businesses. The BID tool offers structured formats for financial planning, investment analysis, and business growth, enabling users to make informed decisions. Currently available in Excel and web-based formats, with plans for a desktop version, the tool includes modules for business background, business environment, financial management, budgeting, valuation, risk management, and more. Its target users include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the seed sector, as well as businesses in other industries at various stages of development. The tool has been validated through applications in diverse settings, including RTB EAGEL in Nairobi and Potato ARC Technology in India. Potential benefits of the BID tool include simplified business planning, ease of use for beginners, the ability to raise funds, and enhanced strategic decision-making. Future development plans include expanding the web version, integrating artificial intelligence for industry comparisons and strategy formulation, incorporating real-time data, and enabling seamless integration with accounting systems. Keywords Business Investment Decision (BID) tool, financial management, decision-making frameworks, business growth, investment analysis, digital platform, operational efficiency, financial planning, budgeting, risk management.
Operational Business Plan for Root, Tuber and Banana East Africa Germplasm Exchange Laboratory (RTB EAGEL)
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Jayanth, R.; Rajendran, S.
Assessment of the determinants and economic benefits of adoption of improved sweetpotato varieties in Uganda
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Feukeng, F.; Otieno, D.; Okello, J.J.; Rajendran, S.
Various efforts have been made in agricultural research in sub-Saharan Africa to improve productivity, access to markets and reduce household food insecurity. In the sweetpotato sector in Uganda, the government and its partners, notably the International Potato Center with financial support from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have been working to improve access to quality planting materials, access to knowledge and information related to potato production by farmers and other value chain actors. However, no empirical analysis has been done to understand the determinants of adoption of such varieties and their potential economic benefits to the Ugandan economy. This study addressed this gap by analyzing data from 942 smallholder farmers in Amuria district of Uganda using three approaches; probit model, endogenous switching regression and economic surplus model. The results showed that the farm size, soil fertility status, distance to the shopping centre, group membership and the number of adopters known by the farmer were key drivers of adoption of the improved sweetpotato varieties. Adoption positively affects farmer's yield and negatively affects the cost of production. The economic surplus estimates showed that adoption could generate between US$ 35.74 million to US$ 36 million for the Ugandan economy. In addition, adoption could lead to a reduction of poverty by 0.7% and 2.21% in Uganda as a whole and eastern Uganda, respectively. Based on these insights, the study recommends development of social capital by promoting farmer field schools, farmer groups and cooperatives. In addition, soil fertility management technologies and targeted support based on farmers' socio economic characteristics are necessary to increase adoption rate and improve welfare.
Analysis of farmers’ behaviour towards purchase of improved sweetpotato vines in Uganda: An application of the AIDA model
(Working Paper, 2024-12-17) Otieno, D.; Rajendran, S.; Okello, J.J.; Ogero, K.; Feukeng, F.
Many studies on adoption of new technologies assume a linear movement from introduction of the technologies to their eventual uptake by targeted stakeholders. However, human behavior follows a gradual and cumulative path from information acquisition, developing an interest, forming a desire and eventually taking action to use new technologies. This study provides analytical results on how a farmer moves from being aware, getting interested, forming a purchase desire and actually purchasing improved sweetpotato seed in Uganda. The study uses primary data from both a baseline and follow up survey of 1192 sweetpotato farmers in Amuria district of Uganda. Principal component analysis and partial least square structural equation model were applied to analyze the empirical linkages between four key constructs; awareness, interest, desire and action (commonly referred to as AIDA model) in tracing the farmer’s journey towards eventual purchase and use/planting of the improved sweetpotato vines. Results show that contrary to theoretical expectation of a linear relationship and exact prediction of action from awareness, interest and desire, the baseline data only linked 47.6% of farmer behavior towards purchase of the improved sweetpotato vines to the sequential movement from awareness, interest and desire. Two distinct categories of farmers were also established; keen customers who pay attention to product details and environmentally-conscious customers who care more about product costs and adaptability to drought and low water stress. The follow up survey plus inclusion of contextual factors improved the explained variance from 48% in the baseline data to 60%. This implies that farmers’ behavior towards adoption of improved sweetpotato requires multiple rounds of data spread over a longer time period to correctly predict. Moreover, contextual factors such as farmers’ resource endowment situation, gender roles and culture add value to the standard AIDA model constructs and should be incorporated in such models to improve the precision of analysis and make the findings more relevant to farmers’ environment, thus resulting to realistic interventions.
Behavioural interventions to resolve production contraints to adoption of improved crop varieties: findings of a baseline survey
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Otieno, D.; Okello, J.J.; Ojwang, S.O.; Mulwa, C.K.; Rajendran, S.; Just, D.
Aligning Potato Breeding Goals with Citizen Priorities: Insights from Tricot Approach in Nigeria
(Working Paper, 2024-12) Sharma, K.; Atieno, E.; Mugo, J.; Sousa, Kauê de; Etten, Jacob van; Nyawade, S.
This study explored farmers' preferences for potato genotypes using the Tricot (Triadic Comparisons of Technologies) approach. Tricot is a decentralized, participatory approach leveraging farmers' experiences to rank technologies based on agricultural performance and market traits. Plateau State, Nigeria which is typical of many potato-growing areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, was used as the case study. Farmers from varied socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds, selected through local extension agents and agricultural organizations, were provided with trial kits containing three anonymized sets of genotypes labelled options A, B, and C. The anonymity ensured unbiased evaluations. Data collection was conducted across four evaluation phases: vegetative phase 1 (germination, drought tolerance, pest, and disease resistance traits), vegetative phase 2 (extended agronomic trait assessments), harvest phase (yield, tuber appearance, marketability traits), and postharvest phase (dormancy, cooking quality, and ease of sale). At each phase, farmers ranked genotypes based on best and worst traits, with midpoints inferred for complete rankings. The data were recorded using Open Data Kit (ODK), processed through the ClimMob platform (https://climmob.net), and analyzed using R software. The Plackett-Luce model was used to quantify genotype preferences through "worth parameters," with higher logworth values indicating superior performance. Classification and Regression Trees (CART) were used to identify key socioeconomic factors influencing genotype and trait preferences. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to explore trait-genotype relationships. Farmers' preferences for potato genotypes varied across growth phases. In the vegetative stage, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and germination traits were prioritized. At harvest, market-driven traits: yield, early maturity, and ease of sale became crucial to maximize income and align with market demands. In the postharvest phase, farmers prioritized ease of sale and cooking quality, thus recognizing the strategic advantage of meeting consumer needs and the benefit of delaying sales until off-peak periods to secure higher returns. Genotypes that displayed consistent, desirable traits across all phases, showed overall high logworth probabilities and were preferred for their adaptability to both agronomic and market conditions. Overall, Genotype CIP392797.22 emerged as the most preferred, with a logworth of 0.6, followed by CIP393371.157 (0.26). Moderate preferences were observed for Marabel (0.05) and CIP393371.58 (0.16). CIP381381.13 showed neutrality (0.00), while CIP398208.29 (-0.03) and CIP398190.200 (-0.44) indicated slight to significant aversion, respectively. Household size, age, market distance, education level, and business involvement were identified as the significant socio-economic factors influencing potato genotype preferences. These factors segmented farmers into cohorts based on household size and business involvement. The educated farmers with a business orientation, regardless of household size, favored market-driven traits (ease of sale postharvest, high yield, cooking quality, and early maturity). This cohort of farmers exhibited greater awareness of market trends and agronomic performance, enabling them to make more informed and discriminating decisions. They understood the long-term benefits of choosing genotypes that offer both economic returns and resilience in the face of changing market dynamics. In contrast, subsistence farmers focused on food security, valuing agronomic traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and high yield, while also being mindful of postharvest ease of sale as an indicator of storability. These findings underscore the importance of participatory breeding frameworks in facilitating the integration of citizen preferences. By integrating participatory research with feedback from diverse value chain actors—whether directly or through the farmers, the Tricot approach offers a scalable model for sustainable agricultural development, ultimately accelerating variety adoption across developing countries. Such frameworks could be expanded beyond the farm to include market settings, community-based testing sites, or producer groups, with the goal of focusing on the true end users—consumers, retailers, wholesalers, aggregators, and other stakeholders within the value chain.
Analysis for Developing a Sustainable Seed Potato Value Chain in Oromia. Region, Ethiopia.
(Working Paper, 2024-01) Gebeyehu, S.; Kakuhenzire, R.; Retta Solomon, A.; Chindi, A.; TekleMedhin, L.; Kassaye Atsbeha, H.; Getahun, W.
Targeting agricultural extension efforts through a typological analysis for potato small farmers in the Northern Andes of Peru
(Working Paper, 2023-12) Ramírez, D.; Ninanya, J.; Rinza, J.; Briceño, P.; Otiniano, R.
Agricultural extension work is crucial for rural development to guarantee technology dissemination and productivity, especially for small farmers. However, small farmers' requirements are context-specific, and characterization of these requirements is necessary to ensure a successful extension effort. This study encompasses a typological analysis of small farmers from a potato-based system in the Northern Andes of Peru. The agronomic data log of 608 potato farmers from the e-Agrology platform was analyzed for the period of April 2021 to June 2022. After data cleaning and recategorization, a multiple correspondence analysis was conducted followed by a hierarchical clustering analysis. Improved seed type (26.1%), not certified seed category (18.8%), planting type by paid workers (16.8%), and female gender (22.8%) were the most critical contributing variables to components 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, which explained about 29% of the cumulative variance. Three typologies were defined including “business as usual” (I); “risky” (II); and “progressive” (III) behaviors in potato cultivation. Typology I cultivated in the main growing period using common varieties in communal lands and using traditional methods. Typology II cultivated potatoes in the secondary growing period in small plots based on market demand. Typology III cultivated in the primary growing period using uncommon varieties and improved seeds in communal lands. Target actions including climatic advisory, market information access, seed systems improvement, etc., for extension purposes were identified for each typology to improve potato production in the area.
Inventory of novel approaches to seed quality assurance mechanisms for vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs) in seven African countries
(Working Paper, 2022-10) Sulle, E.; Pointer, R.; Kumar, P. Lava; McEwan, M.
This paper provides an inventory of novel approaches to and mechanisms for quality assurance of the seeds of vegetatively produced crops (VPCs). It explores to what extent seven African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) are decentralising and integrating VPC seed systems, in terms of regulations governing the sector, methods of seed production, and methods of seed inspection and certification. It consolidates existing data and presents new data on decentralised seed quality assurance (SQA) approaches for VPCs in these seven selected countries. It makes relevant information readily available for policy dialogue on appropriate and inclusive SQA approaches, by providing an assessment of (i) the extent to which SQA has been decentralised, i.e., the extent to which third-party accredited inspectors have been deployed; (ii) countries’ use of e-certification platforms; (iii) the involvement of seed producer groups and cooperatives in SQA; and (iv) any novel approaches to disease diagnostics or other relevant aspects of SQA. The paper uses different, appropriately sequenced methods to ensure the different methods complement each other to offset the disadvantages of each method. These include a comprehensive literature review, an online survey, and key informants’ virtual interviews. These are complemented by expert interviews, especially with both IITA and CIP experts based in Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia plus one CIP expert with overall knowledge of the project countries in Africa. Based on an online survey completed by officials from regulatory agencies from eight countries, and follow-up interviews with seed certification officials and researchers in the seed sector, the paper finds that almost all studied countries have some sort of decentralised seed production system in place, allowing large-scale companies, medium-semi-commercial companies and small holder farmers opportunities to produce both quality declared and certified seeds. These decentralised seed production systems may be regarded as novel, in that they deviate from the standard seed system practices proposed at international level, which focus on enforcing certified seed production. Further, the novelty is based on different countries adopting different processes because of different local constraints and different government/political structures. Such novelty is necessary in the African context of, inter alia, poor infrastructure for transporting VPC seeds long distance and limited technical skills for certifying seed. The innovative approaches chosen by these African countries are suitable for VPC seeds like those of cassava, sweetpotato, bananas, yams and potato – all of which have bulky and perishable planting materials. The paper shows that it is possible to make decentralised VPC seed systems a reality in the right circumstances, and that in some cases countries have already made strides in doing so. However, several gaps exist in different countries, all of which need to be addressed. They include problems such as (i) legislation and regulations not specifically considering the quality assurance requirements of VPCs; (ii) shortages of trained staff throughout the system, but especially in far-flung areas; (iii) unavailable or inadequate training materials and handbooks; (iv) inadequate resources at local level, including support for inspection equipment and resources (e.g., vehicles); (v) poor monitoring and administration capacity in farmers’ cooperatives/associations; and (vi) poor consideration given to gender empowerment. Each of these and other issues are discussed throughout the report and in the recommendations at the end of the document. Stakeholders in the VPC sectors need to address key challenges facing VPC seed producers and users such as the lack of specific regulations for VPCs and standards, especially in the countries which are either still developing such standards and regulations, or entirely do not have such tools in place. The absence of crop specific guidelines and standard operating procedures result in (i) low capacity to produce quality VPC seed, (ii) poor storage and handling facilities for seed and (iii) inadequate experience, technical skills and training among the seed inspectors and certifying officials from state seed regulatory agencies, especially lack of staff specialised in certifying VPCs. Simple, flexible and less bureaucratic systems are much more desirable for developing countries, even while countries must maintain a focus on quality control and quality assurance mechanisms within the legal provisions of seed laws, including those of novel approaches (Loch and Boyce, 2001). Quality control and quality assurance are important preconditions for ensuring the availability of planting materials and for piloting novel approaches such as decentralised seed production and quality control approaches. It is thus important for countries to mainstream and scale up sustainable quality assurance systems that work by establishing context-appropriate seed regulatory frameworks. While individual farmers, farm-based associations, farmer cooperatives and private companies have invested and continue to invest in production of VPC seeds, public investments in this sector are needed to realise wider system change and impact. Because VPC seeds are bulky, perishable and have high disease risks, many seed companies are not interested in these crops. Therefore, is important to secure political buy-in for decentralised VPC production and devolved VPC seed inspection so that states are encouraged to invest in supporting regulatory agencies and decentralised offices to deliver their services efficiently and effectively. In turn, this will allow farmers to secure the extension services they require. To ensure scalability and sustainability of novel approaches like the decentralisation of seed production and quality assurance, piloted initiatives must be sustained, including (i) for capacity development; (ii) providing adequate resources (competent personnel, funding and the necessary technologies like electronic platforms); and (iii) more importantly, the presence of an entrenched policy, legal and institutional framework that is implemented on the ground. As part of the remedy for these challenges, the paper recommends that engaged stakeholders in the VPCs sector provide targeted training of seed inspectors. In many countries, seed standards for VPCs and provisions in the law were designed based on the experiences of grain (maize) seeds, which have significant differences with VPCs. Therefore, seed inspectors need training for inspection of VPCs (i.e. varietal identification, crop specific pests and diseases). This can be complemented by capacity development efforts at different levels; for example, (i) training extension officers to undertake inspections and how to use relevant equipment (including any ICT devices); (ii) training seed producer associations on technical and governance/administrative aspects for ensuring equity, accountability and monitoring; and (iii) training seed producers to inspect their own seed and fields. Countries need to establish and scale up seed producers’ associations. In countries where seed producer associations are in place, they have shown to be cost-effective by mobilising fellow seed producers who need seed inspections to pay inspectors as a group instead of as individuals. This has in turn also driven the demand for inspection from the relevant authorities, because inspection activities such as these generate income for government agencies. With associations in place, it is possible to help seed producers and farmers to identify markets for both seed and produce, to create a virtuous cycle whereby producers buy improved seed because they have a market for their improved produce. Finally, stakeholders need to implement or scale up e-certification platforms like SeedTrackerTM to reduce the burden and costs associated with manual and physical activities related to seed inspection and certification. Where ICT systems such as SeedTrackerTM have not been implemented, roll these out in all countries, ensuring both that they are suitable for each country’s specific needs, and that they align with regional and international seed policy. In countries like Nigeria and Tanzania where SeedTrackerTM is in place, it is imperative that most of these tools are improved to address the current limitations. Meanwhile, achievements – including the use of successful ICT tools – need to be promoted through regular communication and dialogue at all levels, including between farmers, seed producers and breeders (about the preferred traits for improved varieties and any challenges farmers are facing), and between stakeholders (to ensure alignment on the goals of seed quality assurance, how to ensure quality, and how to address problems).
Integrating gender into Kenya’s evolving seed policies and regulations for roots and tubers
(Working Paper, 2021-12) Sulle, E.; Mudege, Netsayi N.
In many developing countries where farmers grow vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs), they are often unable to increase on-farm productivity partly due to limited access to quality seeds. Yet, seed policy and legal frameworks for VPCs in many countries show a limited consideration of the specific characteristics of the seed systems for root, tuber and banana crops. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding of how the implementation of current seed policy frameworks affect participation by men and women as either seed producers or seed users. This paper examines the Kenyan seed policy processes and discusses the gender-sensitivity of how seed policy decisions are made in order to understand how these can be made gender sensitive. It unpacks the context in which seed policies are implemented; how the content of seed policies can differently affect men and women farmers’ participation in seed production and access to seed; and provides recommendations on how seed policy can be made more inclusive. In many developing countries where farmers grow vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs), they are often unable to increase on-farm productivity partly due to limited access to quality seeds. Yet, seed policy and legal frameworks for VPCs in many countries show a limited consideration of the specific characteristics of the seed systems for root, tuber and banana crops. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding of how the implementation of current seed policy frameworks affect participation by men and women as either seed producers or seed users. This paper examines the Kenyan seed policy processes and discusses the gender-sensitivity of how seed policy decisions are made in order to understand how these can be made gender sensitive. It unpacks the context in which seed policies are implemented; how the content of seed policies can differently affect men and women farmers’ participation in seed production and access to seed; and provides recommendations on how seed policy can be made more inclusive.
Estudio de caso: Evaluación de impacto de la intervención del Proyecto INCOPA/ ADERS en Huánuco
(Working Paper, 2009-09) Bucheli, B.; Ordinola, M.; Antezana, I.; Maldonado, L.; Obregon, C.
El desafío de identificar y aprovechar nuevas oportunidades de mercado para los pequeños productores de papa peruana, articulándolos con otros actores de la cadena agro- alimentaria de este tubérculo, es asumido por el proyecto INCOPA – Promoción Competitiva de la Papa Peruana para Responder a Nuevas Oportunidades de Mercado1 – desde su origen en el año 2001. Este proyecto, que es financiado por la Agencia Suiza para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo (COSUDE) y coordinado por el Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP), realizó en el año 2006 una evaluación de su segunda fase, en la cual se observaron algunos indicios sobre cambios positivos en cuanto a ingresos económicos y mejor relacionamiento con el mercado en las organizaciones y familias de productores participantes. Con el fin de complementar este estudio anterior, se decidió realizar un estudio de impacto para conocer la dimensión de estos y otros cambios en las familias de productores de una de sus sedes de operación, Huánuco, donde viene trabajando desde el año 2002, a través de su socio local ADERS. INCOPA y ADERS combinaron sus esfuerzos y capacidades en esta sede, en una intervención que no fue planificada del modo en que finalmente se implementó. Esta fue tomando forma en el camino, aprovechando la oportunidad que dio el proyecto PRO-PAPA, y bajo la influencia del Enfoque Participativo de Cadenas Productivas (EPCP), en pleno desarrollo durante la intervención. Se llegó a consolidar una forma de trabajar que tanto ADERS como INCOPA han sabido sacar provecho y extender a otros lugares.
Farmers’ demand for quality and nutritionally enhanced sweetpotato planting material: Evidence from experimental auctions in Rwanda
(Working Paper, 2021-12) Okumu, O.O.; Rajendran, S.; Okello, J.J.; Ward, Patrick S.; Gatto, M.; Kilwinger, Fleur B.M.; Maredia, M.; Kirimi, S.; Nshimiyimana, J.C.; Ndirigwe, J.; Uzamuschaka, S.; Munyabarame, D.; Shumbusha, D.; Hareau, G.; Spielman, David J.
Most farmers source sweetpotato vines from neighboring farmers or from cuttings taken from their own plots during the previous season. In the absence of “clean” vines prepared with more attentive production practices, farmer-to-farmer vine exchanges and own-saved vines tends to encourage the accumulation of pests and diseases that ultimately affect yields. In addition, the perishability and bulkiness of its primary propagation material – vines – there is relatively little articulated demand for vines through either market or non-market exchanges. In addition, demand for nutritionally rich variety and biofortified crop orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) is limited because of multiple factors including farmers’ unfamiliarity with the product and its novel attributes such as its high beta carotene content, the search costs incurred in locating the product, and information asymmetries between buyer and seller about the quality and performance of the product. We investigate demand for quality vine and nutritional attribute of the crop using a second price experimental auction approach by determine the premium price farmers are willing to pay for these attributes and investigate drivers of demand. In the absence of information on the source of vines, maturity and resistance to diseases, farmers are willing to pay a premium of about 35 Rwandan Francs for high quality vines sourced from decentralized vine multipliers. However, on provision of information on the source of vines, maturity and resistance to diseases of the vines, the premium price increases significantly to 133.71 Rwandan francs and to 107.22 Rwandan Francs after provision of visual information depicting the performance of the vines in demonstration plots. The premium price also increases significantly for vines sourced from neighbors to about 74.35 Rwandan francs, which further increases to 151.53 Rwandan francs when nutrition information is provided to the farmers. The study also revealed that demand for high quality vines is correlated with sex of household head, sex of the respondent, age of the respondent in years, household size, membership in a farmer organization, information from neighbors/other farmers, access to marshland, females make agriculture decisions in the household among other factors. In terms of policy, there is need to promote importance of quality vine and nutritional value of OFSP through sensitization on the field demonstration and nutritional values.
Collective action for inclusive value-chain innovation: Implementation and results of the Participatory Market Chain Approach
(Working Paper, 2020) Horton, D.; Devaux, A.; Thiele, Graham; Hareau, Guy; Ordinola, M.; López, G.; Mayanja, S.; Bernet, T.
Research and development approaches that incorporate elements of collective action, agricultural innovation systems, and value-chain development (VCD) are increasingly popular, but there has been little systematic analysis of their use and results. In this paper, we analyze experiences with a participatory approach for stimulating inclusive innovation in agricultural value chains, known as the Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA). Guided by a conceptual framework for analyzing PMCA interventions, we examine cases where the PMCA was applied in value chains for aquaculture, coffee, organic and typical regional products, potatoes and vegetables in Albania, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Indonesia, Nepal, Peru and Uganda. We find that the uses and results of the PMCA were strongly influenced by attributes of the external environment, the targeted value chain and the intervention in which the PMCA was applied. The PMCA has generally produced the most significant results where: (a) the agricultural and policy environment favored agricultural innovation and VCD; (b) the value chain offered significant potential for value addition or cost reduction; and (c) the PMCA was implemented with a high degree of fidelity to its basic principles in the context of a broader development effort. The active involvement of diverse stakeholders – not only smallholder producers but entrepreneurs along the value chain and relevant service providers – was crucial for stimulating innovation. Because innovation processes are complex and emergent in nature, local teams needed to develop flexible implementation plans and procedures that were adjusted over time in response to emerging opportunities and results. And because the PMCA requires the active engagement of value-chain actors and service providers with diverse, sometimes conflicting, interests, effective facilitation was crucial to the success of PMCA interventions. We found significant benefits of the PMCA frequently emerged long after the intervention had been implemented. This finding highlights the value of assessing interventions that support inclusive innovation several years after project funding ends. Notwithstanding the demonstrated utility of the PMCA in stimulating inclusive innovation in agricultural value chains, the approach has only achieved limited use beyond its original developers. This finding also reflects the both the lack of institutional support and an effective scaling strategy for the PMCA and the enduring challenges to mainstreaming participatory systems approaches in agricultural research and development organizations.
Agriculture in intergenerational relations: Ethnic Thai youth in northern Vietnam
(Working Paper, 2021-05) Kawarazuka, Nozomi; Nguyen Thi Van Anh; Vu Xuan Thai
Ethnic minority youth are deeply embedded in reciprocal support with their parents through farming, even though young men are often absent, looking for casual labor work outside the village. Drawing on the concept of intergenerational relations, this study illustrates gendered experiences of a youth transition period with a specific focus on the interactions of youth with parents and parents-in-law through agriculture. Findings show that young men and women access cash, goods and services from their kin in exchange for unpaid labor in farming and domestic work. The economic focus of research on agriculture as a source of income masks this important aspect of agriculture within ethnic minority communities. Although married young men and women in their 20s are not the formal owners of farmlands and livestock, they actively negotiate with their parents and in-laws to utilize agricultural resources to their benefits. Unpaid youth labor in agriculture should be viewed as more than a simple problem of unemployment, a lack of formal access to farmland, or a lack of individual skills. Instead, gendered experiences of ethnically marginalized youth should be reflected in relevant policies and agenda settings to support youth agriculture embedded in intergenerational reciprocal relations.
Exploring the Acceptability and Feasibility of Integrating Vitamin A Rich Sweetpotato into AnteNatal Care Services in Western Kenya: Results from Operations Research Conducted during the Implementation Phase of the Mama SASHA Project
(Working Paper, 2018) Machira, Y.
Background and Objectives: This study presents findings on the acceptability and feasibility of an integrated nutrition, agriculture and health intervention that delivers vitamin A rich, orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP), through Antenatal Care (ANC) services with the goal of improving the health and nutrition of pregnant women and their infants in Western Kenya. Methods: We explored the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention through 42 interviews with nurses, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW), vine multiplers (VM), agriculture extension agents, both from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partners, and district-level health and agriculture officials as well as Chiefs; and 24 focus group discussions with Community Health Workers (CHW), pregnant and lactating women, and their husbands. Qualitative data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo 10.0. Content analysis was used to identify key topics, relational analysis to examine relationships between themes and respondents. Results: Enhanced maternal and child health coupled with food security were the most recognized benefits by respondents. Mothers felt their children were less susceptible to disease and more energetic; they and their partners also valued OFSPs’ shorter maturity and higher yields. Frontline health workers perceived higher ANC attendance and increased contact between mothers, their partners and children with the health system. All implementers were motivated by enhanced training, more effective nutrition messaging, tangible recommendations to improve dietary quality, community recognition, and ability to better serve their clients. CHWs emerged as key facilitators of implementation and outreach to mothers. Challenges to implementation and uptake included mothers’ distance to ANC and VMs, misperceptions such as OFSP having contraceptive properties, the need for continuous community sensitisation, and increased workload without commiserate remuneration for CHWs and VMs. Conclusions: Perceived benefits and motivating factors among key stakeholders outweighed challenges of integrating OFSP with ANC services. These findings contribute to other evaluation activities that assess effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of this integrated agriculture and health intervention.
Adoption and Effects of Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato Varieties in Malawi
(Working Paper, 2021) Gatto, M.; Okello, J.J.; Pradel, W.; Kwikiriza, N.; Mgomezulu, W.; Nyirenda, Z.; Okuku, H.; Suarez, V.; Vugt, D. van; Chipungu, Felistus P.; Kapalasa, E.; Kumwenda, W.; Hareau, Guy; Heck, S.

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