Do farmers’ production and consumer utilization of sweet potato match? A case of the role of extension in Homabay and Kisumu Counties, Kenya

The concept of extension services has changed over time with technology playing a key role, more emphasis is being placed on expanding the skills and knowledge of farmers in achieving food security and creating more proficient food products that meet consumer demand. Farmers and consumers utilize sweet potato in different ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting and frying the fresh roots. However, it remains unknown whether what is produced by farmers align to what is demanded by consumers and the role of extension in bridging the demand-supply gaps if it exists. Thus, the study assessed the role of extension in promoting sweet potato product utilization among farmers and consumers in Homabay and Kisumu County of Kenya. Mixed sampling procedures were applied to select 120 respondents who participated in the study: 52 farmers and 68 consumers of sweet potato. Data collected using a semi-structured questionnaire were cross-tabulated and responses subjected to independent samples t-test and chi-square test of significance. The results revealed SPK 004 and SPK 20 as the most planted and consumed varieties. There were significant differences in sweet potato trait preference between farmers and consumer. While significantly higher percentage (73%) of farmers considered colour when selecting varieties to produce for domestic sale and domestic consumption, equal percentage (43%) of consumers preferred colour and taste. Raw sweet potato was the most produced and bought sweet potato product for consumption with no significant differences by respondent type and county. Salient find of the study was that extension mediated sweet potato products produced, marketed, and consumed by farmers and consumers. Sweet potato products demanded by consumer matched products that were produced, sold, and consumed by farmers. Therefore, extensionist should be strengthened to effectively promote and dissemination sweet potato varieties and products with desirable traits both to farmers and consumers.