CABI works with partners to develop simplified manual of KS 1758: Horticulture Code of Practice for Kenya
23 August 2024, Kenya: CABI has worked in partnership to help develop a simplified manual outlining with illustrations the details of the KS 1758: Horticulture Code of Practice for Kenya which is aimed at enabling more farmers to produce safe food.
KS 1758 specifies the rules for safe and sustainable production of horticultural produce in Kenya, both for domestic and export markets. It provides for uniformity in certain practices and aids in establishment of best practice by all actors in the sector.
The production of the manual follows CABI’s delivery, by scientists from its regional centre for Africa, based in Nairobi, of ‘Trainer of Trainers’ training in May 2023 to increase the pool of trainers who in turn deliver training to producers.
Used for awareness creation
The work has been carried out as part of the CABI-led global PlantwisePlus programme. As part of the co-creation process CABI, SIC and Executive Committee members met in December 2023, to review, validate and sign off the KS1758: Horticulture Code of Practice Illustration Manual. This exercise was led by the Chairman of the KS 1758: Horticulture code of practice Executive committee and CEO Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) Mr Hosea Machuki.
This exercise was led by the Chairman of the KS 1758: Horticulture code of practice Executive committee and CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) Mr Hosea Machuki.
It will be used for awareness creation, farmer advisory among farmers and agro-dealers and other relevant stakeholders in the horticulture sector. This followed a series of workshops held by members of the KS 1758 Standard Implementation Committee, the KS 1758 executive committee and CABI.
Adhering to Good Agricultural Practices
Dr Naphis Bitange, Postdoctoral Fellow-Systems Agronomist at CABI, said, “The code has been simplified into an easily understood formant for users. It is less wordy and puts into perspective the dos and don’ts and the benefits of various farmer practices.”
While receiving finalised copies of the manual on behalf of partners Ag. Deputy Director, Regulations and Compliance department in the Horticultural Crops Directorate of the Agriculture and Food Authority Director Mr. Collins Otieno, thanked CABI for the collaboration in the development of the manual and other initiatives that have shaped the KS 1758 code journey. He noted that they look forward to such collaborations in the future.
CABI’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Global Lead Dr Benoit Gnonlonfin noted that the manual will go a long way in assisting actors adhering to Good Agricultural Practices, regional and international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements.
Other work that has been carried out under the PlantwisePlus programme, is the training of more trainers and the development of Pest Management Decision Guides on select value chains.
The KS 1758: Horticulture Code of Practice was introduced in 2016 and is anchored on four pillars: Food Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Worker Health and Safety and Plant Health.
The code provides guidelines on among others control of pests, procurement, transportation and storage of plant protection and observance of pre-harvest interval.
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