BAC as a TVET has been well entrenched in CARP + seed potato production and Cassava production value chain.
Survey has shown that Potato production has increased for the past years making it a second highly consumed crop in Kenya. Potato production is acting as a source of income to many families. This has led many farmers venture into potato production. Currently farmers are facing greater challenge on access to certified seed potato. BAC through TAGDEV ( CARP+) started multiplying seed potato – variety of “ Shangi” , Kenya Karibu, and Dutch Robin as a mitigation strategy towards the acute shortage. This is in line with the Mission of Baraka College which emphasis on provision of practical education through a delivery of a responsive curriculum to produce competent farmers in Sustainable Agriculture for rural development.
Through Ruforum, the collaboration of Baraka Agricultural College – TVET and Egerton University in the CARP+ Project “Enhancing Access to High Quality Seed Potato for Improved Productivity and Income of Smallholder Farmers in Nakuru County”; has created a very good network and collaboration of key stakeholders; Such as Researchers (Rapid multiplication techniques) National Potato Council of Kenya, farmers, processors, Government, and many others.
BENEFITS FROM CARP+ – POTATO PROJECT
- Gains on good Agricultural Practices,
- scientific insights and practices such as Apical rooted cutting promotion – true type
- bulking of seed potato varieties – agribusiness venture
- Professional practices such as baseline survey, report writing and presentation
- Networking , Collaboration and exposure
- Increase in Short courses
- Post – harvest management practices
- KEPHIS recognition as seed potato outgrower of ADC
- Easy engagements prospects in future projects eg SIFA
- Free environment to easily interact with experts in other value chain
