Nairobi: Kenya has joined 16 other African countries in collaborating with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) for the ‘PlantwisePlus’ initiative. This program is aimed at employing nature-based solutions to mitigate crop losses among farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, Director General International Development at CABI, during a high-level stakeholder meeting at the Trademark hotel, the program’s evolution was discussed. Initially called Global Plant clinics, it evolved into Plant Wise and now Plantwise Plus. This transition reflects the effort to empower farmers, particularly as agricultural extension services were diminishing in many countries.
The program focuses on training ‘Plant Doctors’, equipping them with necessary tools and knowledge to identify and solve plant and pest problems. Collaborating with agencies like the Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), PlantwisePlus has integrated digital tools to disseminate information, leveraging the widespread use of mobile phones among farmers.
In Kenya, PlantwisePlus is actively involved in numerous projects aimed at enhancing the yields and livelihoods of smallholder farmers. One notable example is the training provided to farmers in Taita Taveta County on improved banana agronomy, aimed at increasing crop yields and food security. Additionally, the program emphasizes youth involvement and gender inclusivity to strengthen the fight against plant threats.
Over the past decade, the program has reached over 60 million farmers in 34 countries, with a plan to expand its reach to over 75 million farmers by 2030. Dr. Rangi highlighted the program’s significant impact in enabling farmers to develop their own initiatives and management strategies for agricultural challenges.
Dr. Lusike Wasilwa, Director of Crop Systems at KALRO, emphasized the role of Plantwise and plant doctors in early warning systems for pest detection and management. The program has expanded from 10 to 35 Kenyan counties, with plant doctors playing a crucial role in data collection and dissemination. This collaboration between KALRO and CABI has led to the establishment of clinics where farmers can receive diagnoses and safe protocols for managing crop diseases.
The initiative also addresses food safety through integrated pest and disease management practices. Dr. Lusike called for additional funding and county-level support for training plant doctors. She cited Uasin Gishu County’s success in training plant doctors and the involvement of international organizations like GIZ and FAO in similar efforts.
The director also advocated for Kenya to assist neighboring countries in plant health management, recognizing the transboundary nature of pest and disease threats. In conclusion, Dr. Lusike suggested the involvement of retired experts and churches to further extend the reach and effectiveness of the Plantwise program.