Vegetable production and heavy reliance on synthetic pesticides
Small-scale farmers in Kenya appreciate the importance of growing vegetables mainly for subsistence. This is because most of them hold very few hectares of land which constitutes a limitation for large-scale production. In Kenya, most farmers consider agriculture as a source of income to cater for various financial needs. There is a lot to be done to help farmers achieve their goals and to realize good profits, even with limited space; including providing them with tools and tailor-made training that will increase their productivity and efficiency.
Vegetable production is hindered by several constraints mainly insect pests and diseases, which call for safe, progressive control methods. For a long time, farmers have adopted the use of pesticides to solve pest problems. However, the widespread use of chemical insecticides has been found to be detrimental to the environment with high risk on human and animal health. In the same vein, there are cases of insect pest resistance to the insecticides. Seemingly, small scale farmers are currently shifting from dependence on conventional farming methods and adopting non-conventional options like organic farming, with the aim of avoiding use of synthetic and harmful pesticides.
A new of opportunity for pest management with multiple benefits
The netting technology is a pest control method that is safe for gardening and is progressively being adopted as a viable option for small-scale farmers. It promotes acts like keeping the garden clean and weeded, use of mulches to promote water retention in the soil, and the use of organically made pesticides when absolutely necessary. This is to protect the crops from harmful vectors as opposed to chemical use. As the determination towards organic farming grows, more local farmers are warming up to the idea of using the farm nets also known as Eco-friendly nets.
According to Dr. Martin Thibaud, an Agricultural Entomologist leading the BioNetAgro project at International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), it is important to combine eco-friendly nets with biological control methods. He gave an example of the use of plants like Mexican marigold and lemongrass which have volatile scents that repel pests from plants. He also mentioned that there are still problems of pests and diseases in the net house and research is still being done at ICIPE to obtain complete protection.
The technology is geared towards the production of high-value crops and because of the high productivity rate; tomatoes have been identified to be among the best crops that can bring good proceeds.
The idea behind the netting technology, was inspired by how the mosquito nets work for human beings. The technology involves the physical installation of nets over crops. It has been identified as one of the technologies that best helps farmers to cover their crops in a bid to rid them from pests. Although there are cases where mosquito nets have been used for other purposes, such as fishing, the agro-nets are made of a synthetic material with precision to what the farmers need. Other benefits of the nets include protection of the crops from hailstones and birds.
Shift of practices and adopting the new technology
A field day conducted in early December 2017 involved participating farmers from various parts of Kenya including Rongo, Mwea, Limuru, Kiserian and Machakos. The farmers attested that since they adopted the technology, a lot of insects such as the whiteflies and other pests do not get to their plants. This has significantly reduced the use of pesticides. They noted that the nets are three times cheaper to put up and maintain, compared to greenhouses, thus suitable and affordable to many small-scale farmers. The project is being championed by CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development), A to Z Textile Mills in Tanzania and ICIPE among other organizations.
The nets have various benefits that create more demand by the farmers. In addition to providing a shade for the crops from different unexpected calamities, it enhances the rate of photosynthesis which results to increased output. It also helps in controlling temperature, light, water and moisture. This enhances the growth and yield of the crops.
Cost benefit analysis and farmers testimonies
There is an economic aspect of this technology that translates to high returns on investment for the farmers. Esther Mujuka, an economist at icipe explained that preliminary results show that tomatoes planted in the net, have a potential to yield a net profit of up to USD.12 per square meter. She further attested that with proper handling, the nets can last for five to ten years.
According to Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), pests account for up to 30 per cent of harvestable yield losses. The nets have been found to reduce up to 90 per cent of pesticide use on crops.
Michael Musyimi, a farmer in Mitaboni, Machakos County confirmed that there are higher yields from growing crops inside the nets Vis a Vis growing them in an open field. According to him, the yields of crops planted inside the net are six times more than those grown in an open field. He said that due to the heat that nets provide for the crops, there is a reduction in the maturity period. The technology is effective in mitigating pest infestation compared to the exposed crops.
Another affirmative observation is that this technology also helps farmers to grow non- seasonal crops easily.
Silvia Kuria, an organic farmer from Kiambu, appreciates that there is a remarkable improvement in her farming practice. She attributes most of the progress to the introduction of nets to her farm. She affirmed that she has been able to successfully grow over 20 varieties of vegetables including Broccoli, Spinach, Lettuce, Chills, Carrots, tomatoes, cabbages to mention but a few. She also testified that ever since she began using the nets, the cost of labour and aphids have greatly reduced.re minimal. “This technology is a universally important pest management strategy,” she further alluded.
Nevertheless, another farmer, Nelson Kenyanya from Kiserian, admitted that the technology has advantages but it is important to take some precautions when using the nets. He maintained that it is very critically to monitor the pests throughout the season. Just like not tucking in a mosquito net properly would allow mosquitoes in your bed, leaving the agricultural nets entry point open gives the pests access to the crops. He also stated that all farmers should be keen to identify which issues can be resolved through the use of these nets. He noted that through his experience with the technology, the nets do not provide a solution or remedy to all pest problems.