Conducted by iKappal East Africa in August 2026, the evaluation involved 673 respondents across the three counties.
In Nakuru, the findings show:
73.8% of farmers in FIPS-supported networks now source seed potatoes through Village-Based Advisors (VBAs) and Decentralised Seed Multipliers (DSMs), compared with 3.4% among comparison farmers.
91.9% of supported farmers reported adopting improved potato varieties.
81.7% reported expanding the area under potato production.
Reliance on recycled seed declined to 12.1%, compared with 52.7% among comparison farmers.
The evaluation also offers important lessons about sustainability. In Meru, locally established seed enterprises and advisory services have continued operating despite substantially reduced direct programme support. In Nandi, the decentralised system is being strengthened following earlier interruptions.
For FIPS Africa, the significance goes beyond seed production.
Through potato rooted apical cuttings (PRACs), decentralised seed multipliers and community-based advisory networks, FIPS Africa is working with farmers, county governments, research institutions and private sector actors to strengthen the systems that make quality seed potatoes accessible.
The evidence also identifies what must happen next: stronger quality assurance, formal recognition of decentralised seed producers, investment in storage and finance, and better connections between farmers and markets.
Sustainable scale requires more than increasing production. It requires local institutions, enterprises and partnerships that can continue delivering value beyond direct project support.
Explore the evidence and lessons for scaling.
We invite policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector actors and other stakeholders to read the full independent midline evaluation report. Discover the findings, lessons and recommendations for strengthening sustainable, commercially viable and farmer-centred potato seed systems in Kenya and beyond.
Read the full midline evaluation report to explore the evidence and opportunities for collaboration.
Small Farms, Big Futures.
