Challenges and Opportunities in Market Accessibility for Tissue Culture Bananas Among Small-Scale Farmers in Central Kenya

Bananas are an essential crop and a vital source of income for numerous small-scale farmers in Central Kenya (Wahome et al., 2021). However, banana production faces many challenges, such as pests, diseases, drought, and low productivity. To address these challenges, the Institute of Biotechnology Research (IBR) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has developed tissue culture (TC) banana plantlets, which are produced in a laboratory using biotechnology techniques. These plantlets are cultivated in a laboratory using biotechnological methods, making them disease-free, water-efficient, and more productive compared to traditional suckers (Kikulwe, 2016). They also contribute to food security by improving food availability, resilience, diversity, and access (Kabunga et al., 2012). Despite the numerous benefits and advantages, TC banana plantlets face low and inadequate market accessibility among local farmers. Less than 7% of all bananas produced in Uganda are produced by just 6% of banana farmers who are prepared to use TC planting materials (Mulugo et al., 2020).

In October 2023, our academic journey led us to JKUAT, Nairobi, Kenya, for an immersive student challenge under the AgriSCALE initiative. A dynamic educational approach, the student challenge is rooted in problem-based learning where student teams grapple with real-world problems presented by institutional actors (Savin-Baden, 2006). Our challenge was centered on the pressing issue of limited market accessibility of these TC banana plantlets, a concern expressed by IBR. Over two weeks, our diverse team, comprising students from multiple countries and universities, embarked on a rigorous exploration. His included visiting IBR’s greenhouses, interviewing market managers from both IBR and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Enterprises Ltd (JKUATES), and interacting with local farmers who shared the on-ground realities and barriers they encounter in accessing these innovative plantlets. This case study aimed to identify and suggest solutions to solve the problem by assessing the market accessibility of TC banana plantlets for farmers in Central Kenya.

Our challenge was to understand why TC banana plantlets, despite their advantages, were not reaching the farmers who needed them most in Central Kenya. We aimed to bridge the gap between supply and demand, lab and field, and innovation and adoption.

Methodology

We explored the value chain of TC banana plantlets, which involved the production, distribution, and promotion of these plantlets by IBR at JKUAT. We evaluated the support systems that linked IBR and farmers, such as extension services, training, and mentoring. We also suggested strategies to improve market accessibility for TC banana plantlets, such as reducing prices, increasing awareness, improving quality, and enhancing coordination among different actors.

The study involved 21 TC banana farmers and one marketing manager from JKUATES. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. One challenge faced during data collection was potential language barriers. To address this, local translators were employed during the interviews to ensure clarity in communication. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25 for descriptive statistics, with results presented in frequency tables, pie charts, and bar graphs.

TC banana value chain for IBR Plantlets to farmers

The study reveals that self-help groups (28.6%), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) (23.8%), and cooperatives (23.8%) are the most common sources of TC banana plantlets for farmers in Central Kenya. These groups rely on social networks and collective action to access these plantlets, playing a vital role in the value chain.

Farmers prefer TC banana plantlets due to their easy accessibility (38.1%), trustworthiness (28.6%), and referrals (9.5%). This indicates that farmers value the convenience, reliability, and credibility of their sources and that they are influenced by the recommendations of other farmers or experts. 85.7% of farmers lack access to TC banana plantlets from IBR, indicating a significant supply-demand gap. While those with personal access may benefit from reliable and quality plantlets, it may limit the scalability and inclusivity of the TC banana value chain.

More than half of the farmers (52.4%) do not know about TC banana plantlets in IBR, indicating a need for more effective communication and promotion strategies. The information provided by IBR varies in terms of marketing, agronomic practices, benefits of TC, and a variety of other types. However, there is a lack of regular and timely feedback and follow-up mechanisms between IBR and farmers. The majority of farmers (57.1%) do not send feedback on TC banana plantlets to IBR, indicating a lack of communication and interaction between producers and consumers. Finally, farmers who send feedback on TC banana plantlets to IBR do so through cooperatives, which may be an advantage for them regarding collective bargaining power, market information, and peer support.

Prevailing support systems linking TC banana plantlets to the farmer

The majority of farmers (61.9%) lack support from IBR or other sources, limiting their capacity to improve the productivity, quality, and resilience of TC banana production. Support systems provided by IBR include training, credit, planting materials, irrigation, and other resources. However, 76.2% lack information or guidance from IBR, indicating a gap between their knowledge and skills and the requirements of TC banana plantlets. 47.6% do not receive external support to improve accessibility, indicating constraints and barriers such as financial, technical, social, institutional, and environmental factors.

Strategies to improve market access for IBR tissue culture bananas

The study reveals that 38.1% of respondents lack knowledge about improving awareness and information dissemination among farmers about the benefits and accessibility of TC bananas. Farmers suggest using local radio stations, conducting practical training, and involving stakeholders to address this. The majority (33.3%) believe broadcasting on local radio is effective. Other suggestions include providing training on growing and managing TC banana plantlets, accessing markets, and providing support systems.

Conclusions

The market accessibility of TC banana plantlets for farmers from IBR is low due to a lack of effective communication, a good distribution network, and support systems. Self-help groups, KARLO, and cooperatives are the main sources of TC banana plantlets but have limited capacity and resources to meet the high demand and potential benefits. Farmers with access to TC banana plantlets from IBR do so through personal access, reducing the potential for scaling up the TC banana value chain. Farmers without access to TC banana plantlets lack information or guidance on the benefits, varieties, and agronomic practices of TC banana plantlets.

There is a lack of regular and timely feedback and follow-up mechanisms between IBR and farmers, resulting in weak interactions. This may affect the quality, adoption, and performance of the TC banana plantlets value chain. Innovative communication strategies are needed to improve awareness and information dissemination to farmers about the benefits and accessibility of TC bananas.

Recommendations

IBR should develop and implement effective communication and better marketing channels that raise awareness and accessibility of TC banana plantlets by farmers. These strategies could include local radio broadcasts, localized posters, local demonstrations, more field days, and regular exhibitions. Additionally, IBR should consider addressing the price of the TC banana plantlets to ensure they are affordable for small-scale farmers. Even if the price is different from conventional plantlets, clear communication about the cost-benefit ratio should be provided to farmers.

IBR should collaborate with self-help groups, cooperatives, and other stakeholders in the TC banana value chain to distribute plantlets, provide technical assistance, and collect feedback. Regular feedback mechanisms should be established, and support systems like credit facilities, irrigation equipment, and planting materials should be provided. Innovative ways to reduce costs and increase plantlet availability should be explored. Local radio stations should be used for communication, and practical training should be conducted for farmers.