CIP and Crop Trust develop climate-resilient potatoes in Kenya
The BOLD project will use wild potato relatives to breed varieties resistant to heat, unpredictable rain, pests, and diseases.
The International Potato Center (CIP) and the Crop Trust have launched a new phase of the BOLD project in Kenya to develop climate-resilient potato varieties. This initiative aims to strengthen seed systems and improve farmers’ access to quality planting material.
The project will harness genetic traits from wild potato relatives to help breeders develop varieties capable of withstanding rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, pests, and diseases. Dr. Benjamin Kilian, BOLD Project Coordinator at the Crop Trust, stated that wild relatives contain options agriculture needs as conditions change.
Potatoes are Kenya's second most important staple after maize, supporting 3.3 million jobs and contributing US$324 million annually, but production faces pressure from climate change and diseases. The goal is to release at least one improved variety in Kenya combining climate resilience, disease resistance, and high yields.
Why it mattersKenyan farmers will receive new potato varieties that are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases, potentially improving yields and income.