A team of four AEHT researchers conducted a follow-up visit to two farmer research networks (FRNs) in Hai District (Mungushi and Kikavu Chini villages) from 7th -12th April 2024. Besides the issues addressed, selecting priority crops for research was the main focus of the visit. It was facilitated through a participatory rural appraisal approach. Also, farmers were able to identify challenges that research can address including pests, fake seeds, diseases, high costs of inputs, and negative effects of pesticide applications due to limited use of protective gear. Farmers prioritized maize as the preferred crop for research, farmers also reported to possess an acre for bean production. Bean was a second priority crop as such, researchers were interested to hear the challenges faced that can inform research activities. The following were challenges identified in bean production: Pests such as aphids and beetles, limited market especially for the SUA karanga variety, this is because the variety is not well known to people, although it has a higher yield, limited agricultural education due to limited extension services, unreliable seed source.
Discussion of farmers with researchers on the challenges that they are facing in farm activities
Crops prioritized by farmers for research
