Kirinyaga tomato farmers turn to eco-friendly pests control methods

Tomato farmers demonstrating how to install pheromone traps in tomato farms to control pests/ ALICE WAITHERA

Tomato farmers in Kirinyaga are adopting safer and more sustainable methods to control destructive pests.

This follows an intensive training programme rolled out across 11 tomato-growing wards.

The initiative has equipped farmers with practical skills in integrated pest management, reducing reliance on harmful synthetic chemicals while protecting farmer health, crop quality and the environment.

The programme was spearheaded by Governor Anne Waiguru in partnership with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe). It forms part of deliberate county investments aimed at transforming agriculture through science-driven and farmer-centered interventions.

One key focus of the programme is the management of tuta absoluta also known as tomato leafminer, a destructive moth species that has severely affected tomato production.

The pest is estimated to contribute to more than 20 per cent of post-harvest losses.

Its rapid development of resistant strains in both larvae and adult stages has made control difficult, leading many farmers to depend heavily on agrochemicals over the years.

“Kirinyaga is the leading tomato-producing county in Kenya, with annual production rising significantly in recent years," Waiguru said.

"Through capacity building, promotion of high-yield varieties and improved market access, production has increased from 46,000 tonnes in 2017 to 116,000 tonnes today, earning farmers about Sh6.9 billion annually.”

As production expands, the county is now prioritising safe farming practices that shield farmers from chemical exposure and ensure consumers access clean and residue-free produce.

The programme promotes biological pest control, proper farm sanitation, soil health management and the use of biopesticides instead of excessive chemical spraying, which has long posed health and environmental risks.

Farmers are being trained on non-chemical control methods including pheromone traps that prevent pest reproduction, biopesticides, soil testing and strict sanitation practices.

Pheromone traps are eco-friendly tools designed to attract and suppress insect pests using synthetic scents that mimic natural mating signals. They allow early detection and reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides.

A farmer fixing a pheromone trap on his tomato farm in Kirinyaga county. The county is shifting towards ecofriendly farming practices/ ALICE WAITHERA

Speaking during a training session in Nyangati ward, agriculture executive John Gachara said the initiative addresses the long-standing problem of excessive agrochemical use in tomato farming.

“We are training farmers to reduce and eventually stop the overuse of synthetic chemicals which pose serious risks. The goal is to ensure that food coming from Kirinyaga is safe while also securing better markets for our produce,” Gachara said.

He said through the partnership with Icipe, the county has trained 1,000 farmers in high tomato-producing wards on the use of biopesticides and integrated pest management techniques.

“This is part of a wider agricultural transformation programme. Beyond tomatoes, we have similar initiatives targeting coffee, rice and other horticultural crops,” he said.

Icipe research officer Peterson Wachira said the county administration played a central role in identifying the pest challenge and coordinating farmer training through extension services.

The organisation conducted a two-season demonstration comparing 35 farmers using integrated pest management with those relying on conventional chemical-based farming.

“We proved that it is possible to control tuta absoluta without spraying harsh chemicals. Through trapping, biopesticides and sanitation, the tomatoes do not come into contact with harmful chemicals. For the first time, farmers were able to eat clean tomatoes directly from their farms,” Wachira said.

Farmers report that the impact of the training has been immediate.

Lucy Wanjiku, a tomato farmer from Kanyekiine ward, said the training held in Kiaga helped farmers reduce losses and cut production costs.

“Using organic methods has reduced diseases, lowered costs and significantly reduced losses caused by Tuta absoluta. With the traps our expenses have gone down and profits have increased. The county has supported us by providing planting inputs and pest traps,” she said.

Stephen Munene, who attended training in Kithiriti, said adopting organic practices has improved yields and income.

“The output is very good compared to chemical fertilisers. This method is giving me better returns,” he said.

Njuki Mara from Nyangati ward said reducing chemical use has delivered economic and health benefits.

“Conventional chemicals are expensive and harmful to our bodies. When we fall sick treatment becomes even more costly. These safer methods are better for our health and our pockets,” he said.

County officials say the shift to integrated pest management is not only protecting farmers and consumers but also strengthening Kirinyaga’s position as a leading tomato producer by ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.