IBMA Kenya receives innovation award

In the last 10 years biocontrol in Kenya has grown from a concept and wish, to a major crop protection strategy in reality. This transition has occurred as a result of various driving forces including consumer demand, overcoming pesticide resistance and environmental concern. However, the wide spread adoption by Kenyan growers has only been achieved through locally available biological control agents and service providers that provide affordable biological solutions. The biological industry has recognised that for the technology to be effectively adopted it has to be affordable and effective which often means local in-country production.

As local companies have become established that both produce and service customers’ needs through technical advice, training and products, there has been a need to have an organisation that represents the biocontrol industry in Kenya. The objectives of this body are to promote the technology, raise stakeholder awareness and lobby regulators and government to appreciate the merits of this technology.

The four founding members, Dudutech, Kenya Biologics, Koppert Kenya and Real IPM established IBMA Kenya (International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association of Kenya) in 2017. IBMA is a global organisation, and IBMA Kenya represents the ideals at the local level. The association was launched at the Naivasha Horticulture Fair last week and was awarded the show's best innovation.

Dr Wainwright, General Manager of Real IPM said “In expanding global production areas like Kenya we have to work together as a biocontrol industry and promote our exciting technologies. We all have to make our technologies available and understood by all the agricultural stakeholders. This can be only achieved by working together and maximise the impact for both small and large scale growers.” The association welcomes new members and should contact info@ibmakenya.org. IBMA Kenya gratefully acknowledges the support the SNV through the HortiImpact programme.

Publication date: Mon 18 Sep 2017