FIPS Africa is presenting findings from an independent evaluation of its decentralised potato seed model at the World Potato Congress 2026 in Naivasha, Kenya, from 26 to 30 Oct.
Our poster, Small cuttings, big change, explores how local seed enterprises improve farmers’ access to quality seed potatoes and advisory services, and whether these businesses continue after direct programme support is reduced.
Conducted by iKappal East Africa Ltd., the evaluation surveyed 673 farmers, Village-Based Advisors and Decentralised Seed Multipliers across Nakuru, Meru and Nandi counties. It compared FIPS-supported farmers with nearby farmers outside the programme.
In Nakuru, 74% of supported farmers sourced seed from trained Village-Based Advisors, compared with about 3% of comparison farmers. Access, convenience and trust in quality were the leading reasons farmers chose these suppliers. In Meru, 80% of sampled advisors still regularly provided advice or sold seed four years after FIPS scaled down support.
The findings offer encouraging evidence of locally owned seed systems continuing beyond direct support, with farmers, businesses and county governments investing in their development.
Explore the poster and meet our team at the congress to discuss the findings and opportunities to strengthen sustainable potato seed systems across Africa.
