International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No.14, 115-123
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people as market agents, transporters, processors, vendors and exporters (ANN, 2009; MoALF, 2016). In addition
potato is a vital source of calories, proteins, vitamins, potassium and fiber.
Figure 1 Agroclimatic zones in Kenya (FAO, 2008)
Table 1 Characteristics of agro-climatic zones in Kenya
Agro-Climatic Zones
Classification
Moisture Index (%)
Annual rainfall (mm)
Land Area (%)
I
Humid
>80
1100-2700
2
II
Sub-humid
65 - 80
1000-1600
5
III
Semi humid
50 - 65
800-1400
5
IV
Semi humid-Semi Arid 40 - 50
600-1100
5
V
Semi Arid
25 - 40
450-900
15
VI
Arid
15 - 25
300-550
22
VII
Very Arid
150-350
46
Note: Modified from: Sombroek et al. (1982)
Potato production is concentrated in the highlands (1500-3000 masl) under rain-fed conditions in the former
Central, Eastern and Rift valley provinces. These are areas surrounding Mt.Elgon, Mau escarpment, the Aberdare
range, the edges of the rift valley and the slopes of Mt. Kenya (MOA, 2008; FAO, 2013). The former Central
province produces over 37% of the national potato yields followed by Rift Valley Province (27%) and Eastern
Province (19%) (MoA, 2008; FAO, 2013). In Central province, Nyandarua county is the largest potato producing
area (MoA, 2008). In Eastern province, the main potato growing county is Meru; in the Rift Valley province,
potatoes are grown in Kericho, Bomet, and Uasin Gishu counties (MoA, 2008).
Based on geographic location, production practices and variety preferences, the traditional major potato growing
areas are divided into five regions (Figure 2):
