Demonstrations

In May 2025, the UGent and Kenyatta University implementing team, in collaboration with partners from IITA, and KALRO, conducted field visits to demonstration sites in Embu, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a counties, where NARITA, cooking banana varieties, are being showcased. These visits were part of our ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of clean, disease-resistant NARITA plantlets produced through tissue culture (TC) technology. The demonstration fields serve as practical learning hubs for farmers and stakeholders. During the visits, participants were introduced to two NARITA varieties—Narita 7 and Narita 18—selected from previous NARITA varieties evaluations. In addition to showcasing the performance of these varieties, we provided hands-on training on best agronomic practices for banana cultivation. A key focus was on the benefits of using TC-produced plantlets, which offer a clean and reliable alternative to traditional propagation methods that often spread disease. Furthermore, recognising the shift from subsistence to commercial banana production, we emphasised the importance of a gender-responsive approach. This was aimed at ensuring equitable access to resources, training, extension services and benefits for all genders in the farming communities. The training sessions brought together local farmers, agricultural extension officers, and representatives from the county government. These interactions not only enhanced awareness of the advantages of NARITA varieties and the TC technology but also strengthened the collaboration between research institutions and farming communities.