Improving consistency of yields and quality of large-scale and small-holder bean production in Kenya by precision management of soil, water and pathogens

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Delivering consistent supplies of high quality fresh produce is a significant challenge for Kenya’s freshveg. growers. Yields of beans range from 5 to 50T/ha and up to 40% of produce is of poor quality, due toineffective irrigation and soil-borne diseases. A 12% increase in average yield and a 20% reduction inwaste would raise Class 1 yields by 978T/year; this would generate an extra £3.2M/year, increase foodsecurity and improve soil management practices. We will: 1) Develop irrigation scheduling tools toimprove consistency of cropping; 2) Identify effects of biocontrol agents on soil pathogens and soilmicrobiome 3) Determine effects of soil water availability on incidence and severity soil pathogens andefficacy of biocontrol agents; 4) Develop integrated control measures to improve Class 1 yields, qualityand shelf-life; 5) Promote benefits of precision irrigation and biocontrol at workshops/on-farm demos;6) Assess social and economic impacts of outputs and implement sustainability improvement plans.