Kirinyaga County Launches Sustainable Pest Management Training for Tomato Farmers
Kirinyaga County, led by Governor Anne Waiguru and in partnership with ICIPE, is training tomato farmers in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This initiative aims to reduce reliance on harmful synthetic agro-chemicals, particularly against the devastating Tuta absoluta pest, by promoting biological control, biopesticides, and pheromone traps. The training ensures safer farming practices, protects farmer health, improves crop quality, and boosts farmer income, contributing to Kirinyaga's position as Kenya's top tomato producer.
Kirinyaga County, under the leadership of Governor Anne Waiguru and in collaboration with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), has launched an intensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training program for tomato farmers. This initiative spans 11 tomato-growing wards and is designed to significantly reduce the farmers' reliance on harmful synthetic agro-chemicals, which pose considerable health and environmental risks. A primary focus is on managing the destructive Tuta absoluta pest, known for causing substantial post-harvest yield losses and developing resistance to conventional chemicals.The training curriculum emphasizes non-chemical control methods, including biological pest control, diligent farm sanitation, soil health improvement, the strategic use of biopesticides, and the deployment of highly specific pheromone traps. These eco-friendly techniques enable early pest detection and promote reduced or even zero-chemical pesticide usage, ensuring crop quality and farmer safety. Governor Waiguru highlighted this as part of broader county investments aimed at transforming agriculture through science-led, farmer-centered interventions, reinforcing Kirinyaga’s status as Kenya's leading tomato producer while ensuring clean, residue-free produce for consumers.County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, John Gachara, reiterated the program's dual goals: to ensure food safety from Kirinyaga and to secure better market access for local produce. ICIPE Research Officer Peterson Wachira confirmed the success of IPM, demonstrated through trials where tomatoes remained free from harsh chemicals. Farmers who participated in the training, such as Lucy Wanjiku, Stephen Munene, and Njuki Mara, reported immediate benefits, including reduced losses, lower production costs, increased yields, higher profits, and improved personal health, underscoring the program's positive impact on both economic and environmental sustainability.
