Potential for producing and commercializing orange-fleshed sweetpotato and high-iron bean in selected regions of Kenya. A situational study report

The key objective of this study was to use mixed method approaches to understand the opportunities and challenges to enhancing biofortification with a specific focus on orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) and high iron beans (HIB), in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya. In particular, our research focuses on the production, commercialization and utilization potential of OFSP and HIB in four purposively selected counties in the ASAL regions: Baringo, Isiolo, Garissa, and Tana River. Quantitative data from sweetpotato and common bean producers and traders were collected using household and trader level questionnaires, while qualitative data was elicited from community leaders and local experts through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Overall, data were collected from 550 household and 213 trader questionnaires, 23 FGDs, and 31 KIIs to inform our findings.

Mulwa C.K, Kinuthia, C., Mutua, M., Mwema, J., Claereboudt, E., Birachi, E., Maru, J., Wanjohi, L., Kisingu, J., Braz, L. and Heck, S.