Assessment of selected Rice Varieties for smallholder farming systems in the wetlands and highlands of Taita Taveta County
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROJECT
The project aimed to enhance food security and farmer resilience in Taita Taveta County by evaluating 34 rice varieties suitable for both upland and wetland systems. The research focused on adaptability, yield potential, and maturity cycles. Komboka emerged as the most widely adopted variety, with 100% uptake. Upland Nerica varieties showed excellent yield but faced seed supply constraints. The Project enabled farmers to grow two rice cycles per year, doubling potential returns.
Sample of Rice pops, and Rice crisps
Benefits
- Nutritional
- Health Wellness
- Puffed Rice contains Vitamin D,niacin and iron
Market
- Third most important staple crop after maize and wheat
- Estimated Kes2.5 billion biscuit and crackers market in Kenya
Uptakers
- Processors
- Distributors and Retailers
- Supermarkets
Team members at the Taita Rice project in Taveta on 13th June 2025
Key Outcomes
Agricultural Impact
- Rice productivity significantly increased.
- Introduction of dual-cropping seasons improved food availability and incomes.
- Komboka variety now widely grown in Taveta.
Capacity Building
- Extensive farmer training conducted through field days on;
- Certified seed use
- Integrated pest/disease management
- Fertilizer best practices (organic and inorganic)
- Post-harvest handling and byproduct utilization
Institutional Development
- Collaboration across multiple institutions.
- Formation of the Uzi rice cooperative (currently inactive due to governance challenges).
