Science-Led

Research & Innovation

Our Research

Practical, Field-Based Solutions

Our research focuses on generating practical, field-based solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience and support sustainable livelihoods across Irish and sweet potato value chains.

We integrate agricultural science, community engagement and digital innovation to ensure research findings are translated into practical solutions that farmers can easily adopt.

Research Thematic Areas

Seed Systems

Strengthening decentralized seed systems through greenhouse multiplication, farmer-led selection and access to reliable planting materials.

Community Outreach

Understanding farmer perceptions and local adoption pathways that influence agricultural transformation.

Digitalization

Exploring digital tools, mobile advisory systems and online platforms in improving farmer access to information and markets.

Crop Fertilization

Researching soil fertility management, nutrient use efficiency and practical fertilization approaches.

Crop Protection

Promoting integrated pest and disease management strategies that strengthen crop health and reduce losses.

Market Analysis

Generating market insights that support better farmer decision-making, pricing awareness and value chain development.

Seed Spacing & Planting

Evaluating spacing arrangements and planting methods to improve productivity and resource use efficiency.

Value Chains

Primary Value Chain

Irish Potato Value Chain

We support climate-smart and science-based Irish potato production systems that improve productivity, strengthen seed systems and enhance farmer incomes.

Key Focus Areas

Certified and decentralized seed systems
Seed size and spacing research
Climate-smart production practices
Pest and disease management
Farmer-based variety selection
Postharvest handling and market readiness

Research & Innovation

Different seed potato sizes and productivity
Planting methods and spacing systems
Participatory variety evaluation
Soil fertility and nutrient management
Farmer adoption and perception studies

Secondary Value Chain

Sweet Potato Value Chain

We promote resilient and nutrition-sensitive sweetpotato systems that strengthen food security, household nutrition and farmer livelihoods.

Key Focus Areas

Sweetpotato vine multiplication systems
Climate-smart sweetpotato production
Farmer-led variety evaluation
Pest and disease management
Nutrition and utilization awareness
Community adoption studies

Research & Innovation

Community perceptions toward sweetpotato farming
Production systems and adaptation
Farmer participation in variety selection
Sustainable production and utilization
Climate resilience in sweetpotato systems

Research Projects

Nutrition & Food Security

We support nutrition-sensitive agriculture by promoting Irish and sweet potato systems that contribute to household nutrition, dietary diversity and resilient food systems.

Nutrition awareness and farmer education
Promotion of nutritious crop varieties
Household food security strengthening
Community nutrition engagement programs

Market Analysis & Intelligence

We conduct market-oriented research that helps farmers better understand value chains, market opportunities and pricing dynamics.

Market access and linkage systems
Farmer market participation
Market trend and pricing analysis
Digital market information platforms

Partnerships

Research Partners

We collaborate with universities, research institutions and government agencies to strengthen agricultural research, extension and innovation systems.

Egerton UniversityInternational Potato Center (CIP)KALRORUFORUMADCCOELIBLocal farmer groups & cooperatives

Interested in Partnering With Us?