Food Supply

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A demand analysis for Sahiwal breeding animals from the national sahiwal stud (NSS) between 1971 and 2007
(2012) Mailu, Stephen; Ndambiri, Hillary; Ritho, C.; Nganga, S. I.; Miyancha, S. O.; Omboto, P.; Gudeta, Sileshi; Kibowon, Philip
The main objective of this working paper is to trace the development of demand for Sahiwal breeding stock over the period 1971-2007. Such an analysis will enhance our understanding of what has happened on the demand side within the study period. There is only a handful of Sahiwal breeding farms existing in the country, which implies that a particular market structure exists. This paper thus traces the likely evolution of demand and provides some insights on what has happened over the period since 1971. The year 1971 was upon decided as a starting point for the simple pragmatic reason that data for earlier years may not be available. Demand indicators assembled from the records at KARI-Naivasha are used to establish the trends of demand in order to predict the likely trajectory of demand in the near future. Time series analysis of data shows the probability of demand for bulls to have been on a downward trend while for heifers, it has been increasing over time. Also critical in this result is that the probability for heifer crosses is soon catching up with demand for heifers and bulls and given these trends, this may be the animal in greatest demand. Results for average request sizes are mixed with an increase in the size of requests for bulls and heifer crosses until 1990s and a drop in the size of requests since. Some parts of the country also appear to have dropped off, notably Coast Province while others (North Eastern) are rare demand centres. A second part of the analysis, which involves the estimation of models that explain these trends, provides a framework within which the role of important demand shifting parameters such as prices, production systems and distances is determined in greater detail
Are there systematic gender differences in the adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices? Evidence from Kenya
(Elsevier, 2014-12-01) Ndiritu, S. Wagura; Kassie, Menale; Shiferaw, Bekele
This paper uses sex-disaggregated survey data at the plot level to test whether there are systematic gender differences in the adoption of multiple sustainable intensification practices (SIPs) in Kenya. We analyze plot level adoption decisions of SIPs by male, female or joint plot managers within the household, controlling for household characteristics, asset wealth and land quality factors that condition investments in intensification options. Using a multivariate probit model, we find gender differences in the adoption pattern for some SIPs. Compared to male plot mangers, female managers are less likely to adopt minimum tillage and animal manure in crop production, indicating the existence of certain socioeconomic inequalities and barriers for female farmers. However, we find no gender differences in the adoption of soil and water conservation measures, improved seed varieties, chemical fertilizers, maize-legume intercropping, and maize-legume rotations.
Assesing farmer perceptions, attitudes and preferences for tissue culture banana technology in Kenya
(Springer, 2013-01-01) Masinde, J; Obare, Gideon; Owuor, George; Wasilwa, Lusike
Producers' and consumers' preference for production and sell of different TCB fruits is a critical aspect in marketing and is determined mainly by its technological attributes and farmers, farm and institutional factors. The introduction of a Tissue Culture (TC) banana (Musa spp.) in Kenya is subject to farmer and consumer tastes and preferences and the evaluation is critical in enhanced adoption. The purpose of this study was to show farmers' preferences to TCB and the potential challenges for production and consumption of the product. The paper examines the factors that lead farmers' preferences of TCB technology in the four counties of west Kenya. The primary data was collected through a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 330 randomly selected farmers using a stratified multistage sampling method were interviewed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. A three tire multinomial nested logit analysis was carried out to identify the factors that lead farmers' preferences to TCB cultivar preferences. Based on the analysis, six factors were identified as the reasons for preference of TCB technology. The findings indicated that the farm size, sex of household head, educational level, and family size played a significant role in TCB cultivar preferences. These factors need to be utilized in targeting TCB technology dissemination. However, consumers' preference for banana fruits is a critical aspect of marketing and is determined mainly by its sensorial aspects, among other aspects this need to be done. In addition there is need to have more cooking cultivars in tissue culture technology.
Challenges faced by small land holder farmer regarding decision making in innovative agricultural development: an empirical analysis from kenya
(Premier Publishers, 2014-09-09) Kavoi, Justus M.; Mwangi, John G.; Kamau, Geoffrey M.
Declining agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major bottleneck to the continent’s agricultural sector development. In Kenya’s semi-arid lower Eastern region, efforts have been made through public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives to address food insecurity in particular. Inadequate understanding and poor documentation of factors related to challenges facing smallholder farmers in decision-making to improve farm productivity and food security exists. A study was carried out to determine the factors related to decision-making among smallholder farmers to increase farm productivity for improved food security. It involved 34 Key Informants (KI) and five Focus Group Discussions. Data were collected using a check-list, a semi-structured questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that: farmers faced challenges in deciding how to improve their farm productivity. About 76% of KI respondents observed that some of the promoted technologies did not address farmer’s immediate needs; 65% argued that technologies were promoted without considering prevailing farmers’ circumstances. The study concluded that farmers needed accurate information to make informed farming decisions; their immediate needs required technologies with diversified utilization options; analysis of farmers’ operating circumstances was crucial. Consequently, development partners should: provide adequate information on available technologies and innovations; exploit the existing PPP meetings to promote technologies and innovations with wide utilization options; put strategies in place to analyse farmers’ circumstances and promote improved technologies and innovations to increase farm productivity for improved food security.
Climate variability and post-harvest food loss abatement technologies: evidence from rural Tanzania
(IDEAS, 2019-04-18) Ndiritu, Simon Wagura; Ruhinduka, Remidius
This paper focuses on improved storage and preservation technologies as an adaptation strategy in response to climate change. We also study the trade-off between improved cereal storage technologies and the preservation techniques among rural households in Tanzania. We find that climate variables significantly influence farmers’ choice of improved storage technologies and preserving decisions. Using a bivariate probit model, we find that modern storage technologies and preservation measures are substitutes. Farmers can significantly reduce annual costs associated with preservation by adopting (usually long lasting) modern storage facilities.
Comparative analysis of communication channels for diffusion and adoption of quality protein maize: the case of Kathonzweni and Kirinyaga, Kenya
(University of Nairobi, 2015) Carolyne Khalayi Wafula
Despite the use of various communication strategies in Kenya, access and use of agricultural information by rural farming communities and other actors along the agricultural information chain is inadequate to cope with challenges in crop production leading to high levels of poverty. In Kirinyaga and Makueni counties, poverty levels of people living in urban areas are 26 % and 35% respectively, with about 67% of the rural populations living below the poverty line. This study, therefore, investigated how different communication channels used in disseminating new or proven agricultural technologies in Africa by the DONATA project among the smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga in Central and Kathonzweni in Eastern counties of Kenya have influenced the farmers decision to adopt quality protein maize (QPM). Random sampling technique was used to select respondents for the survey and primary data collected using structured questionnaires which involved 210 farmers, comprising of 110 from Kathonzweni and from 100 Kirinyaga. Descriptive statistics, covariance analysis and binary logistic regression were applied through SPSS application to ascertain the factors contributing to diffusion and adoption of QPM technologies. The levels of quality protein maize awareness in Kathonzweni were much higher 100% compared to Kirinyaga 98%. Farmer to farmer and farmer groups in Kirinyaga and extension services in Kathonzweni play a major role in farmer awareness of quality protein maize technologies. The results from the binary logistic regression indicates socio economic characteristics in Kathonzweni and Kirinyaga such as age and marital status play a big role in diffusion and adoption of quality protein maize. Field days in both study regions contributed significantly to increased QPM adoption. Farming was found to be the main source of income with 97.3% in Kathonzweni and 98% Kirinyaga. Lack of seed and climate change were major constraints affecting agricultural production in the study areas. It is therefore recommended that farmer field days, demonstrations, farmer field schools, farmer to farmer and group meetings continue being promoted through increased extension visits, and investing in farmer education via seminars, as vehicles of disseminating agricultural innovations. Information and communication technologies like radio, mobile phone and television should be used to complement the conventional channels which promote access to quality protein maize information. This will increase adoption, hence increased production and high yields which will be part of the solution to food insecurity and raising poverty levels in the
Comparative ecological perspectives on food security by Abanyole of Kenya
(International Journal of Ecology and Ecosolution, 2015-05-25) Wandere, Donald O.; Egesah, Omar B.
This paper focuses on implications of sustained food deprivation situations on the behavioural patterns of the Abanyole of Western Kenya. Using an ethnographic approach, the paper examines two ecosystems occupied by the Abanyole; the first ecosystem manifests typical indigenous, socio-cultural features, while the second epitomizes a cosmopolitan outlook. The study uses a comparative ethnography to show that while land is the main means of production in the two ecological niches, the amount of this critical resource that is available for household dispensation, and the strategies employed to exploit it, varies. This, the study finds, has implications for food security situations among households in the two areas. In addition, when faced with food deficit situations, the Abanyole resort to varying and contrasting coping mechanisms distinct to each ecosystem.
Determinants of intensity of market participation among banana traders in western Kenya
(Academic Journals, 2015-07-16) Wanyama, J; Obare, Gideon; Owuor, George; Wasilwa, Lusike
Traders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the banana market is not fully developed. This demands targeted studies to assess their performance. This study aims at examining banana traders' intensity of participation in the markets and constraining factors. A survey was conducted in 2013 in four counties. One hundred and ninety traders were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected on personal, market parameters, and institutional factors. Descriptive statistics and Tobit model were utilized in the analysis. The results showed that traders received market information from multiple sources probable to check on the reliability and accuracy. The results of the Tobit regression showed that the age and sex of traders distance to markets, type of banana and information sources significantly influence the volume of banana fruits handled by traders. Therefore based on the study findings, some of the suggested policy recommendations include; the need to foster development of banana infrastructures and also efforts should be geared towards improving market information sources among traders.
Dormancy and Physiological Age of Seed Tubers from a Diverse Set of Potato Cultivars Grown at Different Altitudes and in Different Seasons in Kenya
(Springer Link, 2023-02-09) Kwambai, Thomas K.; Griffin, Denis; Nyongesa, Moses; Byrne, Stephen; Gorman, Monica; Struik, Paul C.
The study was conducted to determine the dormancy and physiological age characteristics of diverse potato genotypes as influenced by growing altitudes and seasons for future breeding strategies and optimal patterns of use. Dormancy and sprouting characteristics have an impact on tuber production, storability and seed quality for planting and ware for consumption and the market. This study presents the results of dormancy and physiological age measurements conducted on 47 potato genotypes grown at three altitudes with three replications at each location and in two contrasting growing seasons. The seed tubers were evaluated at low altitude under darkness on moist sand storage conditions to assess their dormancy release, number of sprouts, sprout weight, sprout length and percentage tuber weight loss. Results showed significant (p < 0.001) differences among genotypes, locations and seasons, and significant interactions between these factors for days to dormancy release, number of sprouts per tuber at dormancy release and at 45 days after dormancy release, length of longest sprout, weight loss percentage of unsprouted and sprouted tubers at dormancy release and at 45 days after dormancy release, respectively. There was a wide variation in time to dormancy release (54 to 136 days); most genotypes showed medium to long dormancy. Seed tubers grown at low altitude showed longer dormancy than those grown at higher altitudes, while genotypic differences in dormancy were very consistent across environments. Genotypes strongly differed in sprouting characteristics and weight loss. There were highly significant interactions between altitude and season for all variables assessed, except for the number of sprouts 45 days after dormancy release and the weight loss after sprouting. Generally, the genotypic effects were larger than those of altitude, season and the interaction effects for all variables evaluated. This paper will allow variety selection to optimize seed quality at planting and minimize storage losses while providing new targets for breeders.
Energy for food, livelihoods, and resilience: An integrated development agenda for Africa
(Elsevier, 2021-04-23) Shirley, Rebekah
This article explores the real-time interactions between agriculture, energy, economy, trade, climate resilience, and livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa and the implications for 2050. It explains the opportunities for an intersectional approach to interventions at the food-energy nexus and provides recommendations for near-term actions urgently needed to safeguard Africa’s future.
Enhancing Food Security in Africa with a Predictive Early Warning System on Extreme Weather Phenomena
(Research Square, 2022-03-02) Igobwa, Alvin M.; Gachanja, Jeremy; Muriithi, Betsy; Olukuru, John; Wairegi, Angeline Rehema; Rutenberg, Isaac
Climate change is predicted to exacerbate Africa’s, already, precarious food security. Climate models, by accurately forecasting future weather events, can be a critical tool in developing countermeasures to reduce crop loss, decrease adverse effects on animal husbandry and fishing, and even help insurance companies determine risk for agricultural insurance policies – a measure of risk reduction in the agricultural sector that is gaining prominence. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of various open-source climate change models and weather datasets in predicting drought and flood weather patterns in northern and western Kenya and discuss practical applications of these tools in the country’s agricultural insurance sector. We identified two models that may be used to predict flood and drought events in these regions. The combination of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and weather station data was the most effective in predicting future drought occurrences in Turkana and Wajir with accuracies ranging from 78% to 90%. In the case of flood forecasting, Isolation Forests models using weather station data had the best overall performance. The above models and datasets may form the basis of a more objective and accurate underwriting process for agricultural index-based insurance, as we expound in the paper.
Enhancing science–policy interfaces for food systems transformation
(Springer Nature Food, 2021-11) Singh, Brajesh K.; Arnold, Tom; Biermayr-Jenzano, Patricia; Broerse, Jacqueline; Brunori, Gianluca; Caron, Patrick; De Schutter, Olivier; Fan, Shenggen; Fanzo, Jessica; Fraser, Evan; Gurinovic, Mirjana; Hugas, Marta; McGlade, Jacqueline; Nellemann, Christine; Njuki, Jemimah; Sonnino, Roberta; Tuomisto, Hanna L.; Tutundjian, Seta; Webb, Patrick; Wesseler, Justus
The anticipated failure of many countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 necessitates the assessment of science–policy engagement mechanisms for food systems transformation. We explore options for enhancing existing partnerships, mandates and resources — or reimagining a new mission — for science–policy interfaces.
Ensuring societal considerations are met when translating science into policy for sustainable food system transformation
(Elsevier, 2023-07-01) Singh, Brajesh K.; Fraser, Evan D. G.; Arnold, Tom; Biermayr-Jenzano, Patricia; Broerse, Jacqueline E. W.; Brunori, Gianluca; Caron, Patrick; De Schutter, Olivier; Fabbri, Karen; Fan, Shenggen; Fanzo, Jessica; Gajdzinska, Magdalena; Gurinovic, Mirjana; Hugas, Marta; McGlade, Jacqueline; Nellemann, Christine; Njuki, Jemimah; Tuomisto, Hanna L.; Tutundjian, Seta; Wesseler, Justus; Sonnino, Roberta; Webb, Patrick
BackgroundA food system transformation is needed to address food and nutrition security, minimise impacts on planetary health, reduce climate change emissions, and contribute to equity, diversity, and the Sustainable Development Goals.Scope and approachThis paper summarizes findings of the European Commission's High Level Expert Group on Food Systems Science, which reviewed obstacles that prevent food systems policy from achieving society-wide impacts. These barriers include knowledge and translation gaps in food-related science-policy-interfaces (SPIs), insufficient attention to the priorities of diverse stakeholders, and a failure to adequately consider equity, diversity, political economy, and societal engagements.Key findings & conclusionsThree potential pathways can ensure science and policy support food systems transformation: (1) Adapt the current SPI landscape with extra resources and a wider mandate to ensure coordinated action across the full food system, (2) Enhance the current policy landscape with a range of multisectoral taskforces designed to fulfill specific functions such as creating an enhanced food systems data portal, and (3) Establish a “network of networks” to provide both global coordination as well as organize defined agendas at global through to regional scales. In embarking on these pathways, a revised science-policy-society landscape (SPSIs) should deliver the following core functions: (1) Engage and empower multi-stakeholder dialogue; (2) Build capacity at multiple scales to translate evidence into tangible real-world outcomes; (3) Ensure access to openly accessible data for the entire food system; (4) Use models, forecasts, and scenario building exercises to explore the potential future of food systems; (5) Produce assessment reports and policy publications; and (6) Establish fora for diplomacy that will be empowered to create standards set targets and establish policy.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Pigeon Pea and its Impact on Household Food Security in Machakos County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2022-03-11) Emongor R. A.; Matiri F. M.; Magana A.; Wamaitha J.; Daniel A. M.; Mulindo J.
A household survey was carried out in Kalama, Mwala and Yatta Sub-counties of Machakos County Kenya to obtain data on the current situation of pigeon pea value chain. A total of 414 households were interviewed in the month of October 2020. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Logit Model to determine factors that influence adoption of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L) using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 Software. The HFIAS model was used to determine the impact of adoption of Pigeon Pea on household food security. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that there was low adoption of the Pigeon pea technologies and this implies that more needs to be done in creating awareness of the improved Pigeon pea varieties. The Logistic model results showed two factors that significantly influence adoption of Pigeon pea varieties by farmers. These were membership to a community group and access to credit. More needs to be done to increase adoption of the new/improved varieties in Machakos County, Kenya.
Factors Related to the Low Uptake of Technologies and Innovations in Semi-Arid Areas of Lower Eastern Kenya
(Leena and Luna International, 2014-05-14) Kavoi, Justus; Mwangi, John; Kamau, Geoffrey
The semi-arid areas of lower Eastern Kenya are characterised by poor infrastructure, low, erratic and poorly distributed rainfall. Although joint poverty-reduction initiatives have been carried out in the region, low adoption of improved technologies and innovations still inhibits farmers' ability to improve their farm productivity and household income. A study involving 165 respondents, for instance, was carried out to establish the factors related to low uptake of improved technologies and innovations. Data were collected through a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS versions 17.0. Results showed that poverty-reduction joint initiatives had the potential to improve farm productivity but were being negatively affected by relatively weak linkages; breach of contracts (Weak linkages were significantly higher than strong linkages ((χ 2 = 76.07, df = 2, p = 0.001; breach of contracts was significantly higher than distorted farm-gate and market prices (χ 2 = 59.49, df = 2, p = 0.001). The researchers concluded that joint poverty-reduction initiatives were likely to help smallholder farmers improve their farm productivity and that openness among stakeholders could greatly strengthen existing linkages. Stakeholders should use the prevailing support by stakeholders in planning and implementing joint poverty-reduction initiatives while embracing transparency and accountability to enhance the uptake of technologies and innovations.
Farmer Led Regenerative Agriculture for Africa
(UCL Institute for Global Prosperity: London, UK., 2020-08-03) Lunn-Rockliffe, S.; Davies, M.; Moore, H.; Wilman, A.; McGlade, J.; Bent, D.
Regenerative Agriculture offers the potential to create a new farming future for Africa. The radical transformation of our agricultural systems presents the opportunity to revive ecosystems, amplify biodiversity and improve dietary diversity, positive impacts that will cascade across sectors and create new pathways to more prosperous, resilient and sustainable futures (Moore 2021). The window of opportunity to undertake such a transformation is now. The future of industrial agricultural practice looks bleak, with food production oriented around market growth and global food security through high yields. These contribute to the erosion of ecosystems, depletion of biodiversity, reduction of dietary diversity and vulnerability to future climate extremes (IPCC 2018; IPBES 2019). When coupled with population growth, weak financial and welfare systems, widening inequalities and the persistence of malnutrition, humanity’s future and its relationship with the planet looks dire. The need for an alternative farming future premised on Regenerative Agriculture has thus never been more imperative.
Food systems transformation requires science–policy–society interfaces that integrate existing global networks and new knowledge hubs
(Springer Nature Food, 2022-12-16) Singh, Brajesh K.; Fraser, Evan D. G.; Arnold, Tom; Biermayr-Jenzano, Patricia; Broerse, Jacqueline E. W.; Brunori, Gianluca; Caron, Patrick; De Schutter, Olivier; Fabbri, Karen; Fan, Shenggen; Fanzo, Jessica; Gajdzinska, Magdalena; Gurinovic, Mirjana; Hugas, Marta; McGlade, Jacqueline; Nellemann, Christine; Njuki, Jemimah; Tuomisto, Hanna L.; Tutundjian, Seta; Wesseler, Justus; Sonnino, Roberta; Webb, Patrick
Sustainable food systems are key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but food systems fall short on multiple fronts as they place pressure on natural capital and ecosystem services while generating significant greenhouse gas emissions. To future-proof food systems, the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) called for a transformation of food systems that guarantees equitable access to affordable, healthy, and safe food, produced in fair and environment-friendly ways. Such a transformation will be challenging1,2 . Efficient science–policy interfaces (SPIs) that effectively bridge the local to global span of food systems in a coordinated way will be key to transformation. Effective SPIs need to support six key functions: forecasting and monitoring, capacity building, data collection, independent assessment, engagement and diplomacy3,4 . We, the members of a European Commission high-level expert group (HLEG), have suggested three pathways to achieve effective SPIs: (a) strengthening and adapting existing SPIs with additional resources and a broader mandate to engage across the food sector and across scales and engage with society, (b) enhancing the multilateral institutions’ capacity to cooperate with member states and fund a series of task forces to fill priority knowledge and data gaps, and (c) creating a global coordination hub comprising multilateral institutions through collective investment in a ‘network of networks’3
Frontiers | The governance of quality and safety in Tanzania's informal milk markets
(Frontiers Media, 2022-10-17) Blackmore, Emma; Guarin, Alejandro; Kinyua, Charity; Vorley, William; Grace, Delia; Alonso, Silvia
Despite significant economic and social transformation in Tanzania, 95% of the milk produced in Tanzania is marketed informally. Most of this is commercialized raw (unpasteurized) and distributed and sold through informal traders and vendors to low-income consumers, making it an important source of nutrition and livelihoods. While Tanzania’s o cial dairy policy promotes pasteurization and formal industry, in practice the regulatory environment is relatively permissive of informal raw milk trade. We draw on original data from a survey with over 200 informal market actors, and insights from key informant interviews, to examine the context, perceptions and practices that aect quality and safety in the informal milk market in Tanzania. Our insights contribute to the potential for a more realistic and eective engagement with the informal sector, in Tanzania and beyond. Our results show that all informal market actors are concerned with milk quality and safety and take measures to mitigate risk. Loyalty and repeated interactions between buyers and sellers contribute to ensuring milk quality and safety in the absence of formal mechanisms such as testing. Despite this there is room for improvement. Informal actors expressed interest in training and finance to upgrade their premises and equipment and would also like to see improved communication with policymakers. Any future policy interventions should build on the indigenous practices being used by informal actors that already contribute to risk management. Eorts to better understand the informal sector and address the broader challenge of the lack of voice and representation of the informal sector in policy making in Tanzania are neede
Gender and group dynamics in subsistence agriculture: the case of kenya
(Premier Publishers, 2016-05-26) Kavoi, Justus M.; Kamau, Geoffery M.; Mwangi, John G.
Sustainable food security and household income remains a major challenge among smallholder farmers in Kenya’s semi-arid counties of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni. In this region, women do most farming through self-help groups which may be women or men led. Factors related to gender and group dynamics in subsistence farming are less understood and poorly documented. This study therefore sought to analyse and document the information on such factors. Using systematic random sampling procedure, data were collected from 165farmersfrom Kitui, Machakos and Makueni Counties. Study findings showed that99% of both male and female respondents belonged to farmer self-help groups and that group management was either female dominated (62%) male dominant (20%) or equal representation (18%). In male dominated committees, conflict of interests leads to poor group, while there was less conflict in women led groups. Results also showed that 37% of the respondents depended on family labour to do farmingand that female farmers faced gender-specific constraints in farming which hindered them from improving farm productivity. The researchers concluded that networking enabled female farmers to pool financial resources to address household needs. Existing collective action among female farmers could be enhanced stakeholders ingroup management and leadership skills. Finally, effective strategies should be developed to address gender-specific constraints facing female farmers
Genetic Diversity of Kenyan Native Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus)
(Taylor & Francis Online, 2017-01-20) Ojwang D. Otieno; Calvin Onyango; Justus Mungare Onguso; Lexa G. Matasyoh; Bramwel W. Wanjala; Mark Wamalwa; Jagger J.W. Harvey
Members of the genus Pleurotus, also commonly known as oyster mushroom, are well known for their socioeconomic and biotechnological potentials. Despite being one of the most important edible fungi, the scarce information about the genetic diversity of the species in natural populations has limited their sustainable utilization. A total of 71 isolates of Pleurotus species were collected from three natural populations: 25 isolates were obtained from Kakamega forest, 34 isolates from Arabuko Sokoke forest and 12 isolates from Mount Kenya forest. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was applied to thirteen isolates of locally grown Pleurotus species obtained from laboratory samples using five primer pair combinations. AFLP markers and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the ribosomal DNA were used to estimate the genetic diversity and evaluate phylogenetic relationships, respectively, among and within populations. The five primer pair combinations generated 293 polymorphic loci across the 84 isolates. The mean genetic diversity among the populations was 0.25 with the population from Arabuko Sokoke having higher (0.27) diversity estimates compared to Mount Kenya population (0.24). Diversity between the isolates from the natural population (0.25) and commercial cultivars (0.24) did not differ significantly. However, diversity was greater within (89%; P > 0.001) populations than among populations. Homology search analysis against the GenBank database using 16 rDNA ITS sequences randomly selected from the two clades of AFLP dendrogram revealed three mushroom species: P. djamor, P. floridanus and P. sapidus; the three mushrooms form part of the diversity of Pleurotus species in Kenya. The broad diversity within the Kenyan Pleurotus species suggests the possibility of obtaining native strains suitable for commercial cultivation.

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