Participatory sweet potato varieties selection in Kenya for consumers

Eating harbits of people keeps on changing over time so to the climate, calling for new inovertive technologies to adress the situation. In Kenya intensive production of sweet potato is constrained by lack of improved varieties, pests, diseases and scarcity of land. In this study 11 improved sweetpotato varieties; Kemb10, SPK004, Mugande, Namaswakhe, K117, Polista, Bungoma, Odinga, 292-H-12, Zapallo and Nyathi Odiewo (Improved), were tested against 4 popular farmer varieties; Nyathi Odiewo (local), Jayalo, Amina and Kuny kibuonjo. The experiment model was mother and baby trial with farmers’ involvement. Yields, diseases, pests, consumer preference on market were evaluated. Analysis of variance done. Significant differences and means separated by least significant differences. Significant differences in yield, preference observed. Newly introduced sweet potato varieties had potential for improving consumers’ conditions. Involvement of farmers is crucial in selection of preferred sweet potato varieties. The book is recommended for Research Scientists Agricultural Extension workers University and college students, farmers, traders, consumers of sweetpoato and other general readers