Voices from the field: Published articles and case studies. Bridging the GAP, supporting smallholders in Kenyan export horticulture.
Abstract
During 2005-6, over 70 key stakeholders (including farmers, advisors, exporters, government agencies, NGOs, policymakers and the media) took part in regular WRENmedia workshops. Prominent radio, television and print journalists were taken to visit smallholder farmers and their technical advisors in 3 different districts within Kenya to help them understand the practices and procedures involved in good agricultural practices and the requirements for successful certification to EurepGAP and other similar standards.
This document contains 19 case studies, used as examples of aspects of good agricultural practice (GAP), which have been published in various Kenyan newspapers. All, apart from 3, were researched and written by Kenyan journalists, and except for case studies 14 (on bananas in the Caribbean) and 15 (on onion production on the Coldham Estate, UK), the case studies all concern Kenyan French bean or pea farmers. They are intended for discussion and training purposes, not as guides to EurepGAP procedures, and each one ends with a few suggested discussion points.
The case study themes are as follows:
1. Keeping pests away.
2. Focus on best hygiene standards.
3. Chemical control - the steps before use.
4. Safe spraying with pesticides.
5. Procedures after spraying.
6. Managing soil fertility.
7. Proper records - a farmer's story.
8. Hygiene on the farm.
9. Using chemicals carefully.
10. Proper records - for farmers' group.
11. Using inputs wisely.
12. Group gains marketing muscle.
13. Using inputs safely.
14. Quality needs attention to detail.
15. Attention to detail at every stage.
16. Group management and training.
17. Effective scouting.
18. Appropriate use of fertilizers.
19. Good handling - harvest to grading.
Citation
Voices from the field: Published articles and case studies, Bridging the GAP, supporting smallholders in Kenyan export horticulture, WRENmedia, UK, 40 pp.
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