Bʏ Mᴀʀʏ Mᴡᴇɴᴅᴇ,
Kenya’s floriculture and horticulture sectors are widely celebrated for their export-driven, large-scale production of major crops. However, beneath this well-established commercial landscape lies a vast, largely untapped potential, the minor crops. These are crops grown on a small scale, often overlooked by mainstream agricultural support systems, yet rapidly gaining importance due to emerging markets, dietary diversification, and the challenges of climate change.
Anderson Karisa, representing the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), highlighted this opportunity during a recent forum, detailing the regulatory framework governing pest control products in Kenya and the ongoing efforts to support minor crop production through targeted pest management solutions.
The Case for Minor Crops
Karisa explained that minor crops, sometimes referred to as orphan or emerging crops, have historically been grown on small parcels of land and in limited quantities, primarily for local consumption. In recent years, however, interest in these crops has grown, spurred by new market opportunities and increased domestic demand.
Yet, despite their rising significance, minor crops face a persistent challenge: a limited range of registered pest control products. Most agrochemical companies prioritize registration for major crops, given their extensive production areas and higher commercial returns. As a result, pest management options for minor crops remain scarce, leaving growers vulnerable to emerging pests, especially under shifting climatic conditions.
Coordinated Efforts to Address the Gap
In response to this imbalance, the Minor Crop Technical Working Group was established in 2017. Its primary objective is to facilitate the registration of pest control products for minor crops and address the technical and regulatory hurdles that hinder access to effective pest management solutions.
This multi-stakeholder group comprises PCPB, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AAK), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), agrochemical companies, and international partners such as CropLife Kenya and CropLife Africa Middle East.
Karisa noted that “the group has been instrumental in supporting the generation of efficacy and residue data necessary for product registration on minor crops.” CropLife Kenya, for instance, has played a significant role in facilitating training sessions for agrochemical registration officers on data extrapolation techniques a process that allows the application of existing data from one crop to similar minor crops under scientifically justified conditions. This strategy helps overcome data gaps without compromising safety and efficacy standards.
Another recent addition to the group’s collaborative network is the Minor Use Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing pesticide challenges in minor crops globally. The foundation is expected to support Kenya’s ongoing efforts through technical assistance, research collaborations, and resource mobilization.
Karisa emphasized that addressing pest management challenges in minor crops is critical for enhancing their productivity, ensuring compliance with export market requirements, and supporting livelihoods for small-scale growers.
