Chinese tomato grafting technology raises yields

By Derrick Silimina

As Joel Kirui transplanted tomato seedlings on his 1-hectare farmland in Nakuru County, 160 km northwest of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, he recalled how proceeds from his small-scale farming helped to fund his education. 

“Through the sale of tomatoes produced in my field, I managed to pursue my studies,” Kirui told ChinAfrica. “I could earn enough cash every three months after sales, which enabled me to pay tuition fees for my three-year course.” 

The production of tomatoes is critical in Kenya, where each household consumes the vegetable in at least two meals every day, according to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). Tomato consumption in the country is forecast to reach 632,000 tonnes by 2026, an increase of 8.4 percent from 2021’s figure of 583,000 tonnes. In 2021, the country ranked 34th in the world for tomato production, figures from the Kenya Tomato Industry Outlook 2022-2026 show. 

However, pests and diseases associated with climate change have wreaked havoc on tomato production in the East African country. According to KALRO, even 500,000 tomato farmers in Kenya could not meet the local demand due to pests and diseases causing low yields, which still stand at 8.8 tonnes (against a potential of 20 tonnes) per acre. This has forced the East African country to bridge the shortfall with imports from Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia. Tomato prices double whenever there is a pest or disease outbreak. 

“Production of tomatoes is largely constrained by pests and diseases, the high cost of certified seeds, limited skills on seed establishment, and low technology adoption rates among the smallholder farmers who are the majority of producers,” said Lusike Wasilwa, KALRO director of crop systems. 

“I was distressed after the invasion by pests decimated almost 50 percent of my plants. My hopes to complete my studies were dashed!” Kirui, a teacher by profession, lamented. His tomato field was not spared as the notorious pest Tuta absoluta, also known as the “tomato leaf miner,” devastated tomato crops in the country. 

Horticulturists say Tuta absoluta, a pest that damages tomato plants, potatoes, eggplants and green peppers, is mostly resistant to insecticides. It originated in South America and has been spreading in African countries of late. 

Innovative solution 

A Chinese innovative technology called “tomato grafting” has emerged as a saviour amid the intensifying attacks of pests. It was introduced by Egerton University based in Kenya’s Nakuru County in partnership with Nanjing Agricultural University of China. 

The Confucius Institute at Egerton University invited the first batch of agricultural experts from Nanjing Agricultural University to Kenya to provide training on tomato grafting. 

The introduction of Chinese technology is enhancing crop yields and improving livelihoods. More than 4,000 local farmers have been trained in using tomato grafting technology for greenhouse farming, and a reliable company has been identified to supply the grafted tomato seedlings. 

“The grafted seedlings help farmers to realise a 50 percent increase in their yields, something they could not achieve previously when they were using traditional farming methods,” said Liu Yutao, director of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University. 

Liu explained that tomato grafting technology has the advantage of better growth, higher yield, early maturity, and a longer duration of tomato production. 

According to the Confucius Institute, the state-of-the-art technology was introduced to scale up local small-scale farmers’ productivity as part of a project funded by the China-International Fund for Agricultural Development South-South and Triangular Cooperation Facility.  

Sources from the institute show that plans are underway to expand the technology to other regions in Kenya in order to improve food security. “We are also eyeing innovations in the tomato value chain to empower more rural youth and women as a way of creating a decent household income,” Liu added.

Bumper harvests 

Smallholder farmers in parts of Nakuru County have reported a bumper harvest after adopting grafting technology and have described the innovative idea as a game-changer due to its ability to raise yields of the traditional varieties. 

Angela Kimani, one of the beneficiaries and among those trained in greenhouse farming with tomato grafting technology, is optimistic that her tomato field will be saved again so that she can cash in on the high demand and higher prices of the commodity.      

Maria Wangari, a small-scale tomato farmer in Kirinyaga County, said that since 2001, when she started growing tomatoes, her biggest challenges have always been pests and diseases, and post-harvest losses. 

“With the arrival of Chinese know-how, we have been trained in key skills, tools, and knowledge which have led to increased yield in my field and reduced post-harvest losses,” Wangari said. 

Zimbabwe's Mandarin Road to Success

By Derrick Silimina

Tears of joy streamed down Taurai Tawanda’s face upon learning that she had been awarded a scholarship under the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Programme for academic excellence. 

“I am grateful to the authorities who have made it possible for me to hone my skills in teaching the Chinese language, especially as our language consultancy firm is about to introduce Chinese to our learners,” Tawanda told ChinAfrica. 

She said the scholarship is a game-changer in her teaching career, as it will help to broaden and enrich her job prospects, particularly among key Chinese companies based in Zimbabwe. 

As a qualified linguistics teacher in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, the 30-year-old is proud to have unlocked a treasure trove of opportunities in Chinese cultural, academic, and professional fields. “This opportunity is timely for me to perfect my Chinese teaching skills. My dream is to study this field at an advanced level so that I can become an international interpreter.” 

Breaking the barriers 

China has become Zimbabwe’s largest foreign investor, with significant investments in mining, mineral processing, construction, and manufacturing, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency. 

Data from the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe shows that over 100,000 locals are employed by Chinese businesses operating in the country. 

For this reason, the role of the Confucius Institute in providing Chinese language instruction at various educational levels has become increasingly vital. Knowledge of the Chinese language is enabling Zimbabweans to secure jobs and business opportunities, illustrating the practical socio-economic impact of this learning. 

“I would like to congratulate the 52 scholarship recipients and encourage them to embrace the opportunities that come with studying the Chinese language and culture. Their efforts will contribute to Zimbabwe’s modernisation and further solidify the partnership with China,” said Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding during the 2024 China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Awarding Ceremony, held on 21 January at the Chinese Embassy in Harare. 

Zhou stressed the need to strengthen diplomatic and educational ties between China and Zimbabwe, noting that the upcoming 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations shows China’s commitment to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and supporting Zimbabwe’s educational development. 

The Chinese envoy noted that, in a bid to promote Chinese language learning in Zimbabwe, the University of Zimbabwe became one of the first higher education institutions in Africa to host a Confucius Institute in 2006. 

“To date, over 16,000 students have attended Chinese language classes. Each year, several students receive scholarships to further their studies in China.” 

Diverse opportunities 

Pursuing a career in the Chinese language opens up diverse opportunities in international business, translation, interpretation, education, government relations, cultural consulting, journalism, and tourism, particularly due to China’s growing global economic influence. 

Speaking at the same event, Simelisizwe Sibanda, deputy minister of higher and tertiary education, innovation, science and technology development, expressed gratitude for China’s continued support in human resource development. 

Thomas Utete, Zimbabwe’s permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, added that the initiative has come at an opportune time as the government is implementing various strategies to improve employment levels and enhance living standards. 

“This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the private sector, particularly the Chinese business community, in complementing the government’s efforts to create job opportunities and enhance human capital development for our citizens,” said Utete, adding that it strengthens bilateral relations. 

Meanwhile, Laston Mukaro from the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe emphasised the institute’s dedication to promoting Chinese language education and enhancing opportunities for Zimbabwean youth. 

The 52 scholars who received scholarships under the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Scholarship Programme for academic excellence were drawn from the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe, Chinese language teaching schools affiliated with the university, and other Chinese language institutions across Zimbabwe. 

The scholarship programme embodies China’s vision of fostering a community of shared dreams, aspirations, and prosperity, said Mukaro. By mastering Chinese, students are not only enhancing their communication skills, but also positioning themselves for success in a globalised world where China plays a major role in commerce, technology, and culture. 

Launched in 2020 by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe in collaboration with the University of Zimbabwe, the scholarship supports Zimbabwean students in completing their studies. 

Albert Moyo, 35, is among the scholars who have expressed commitment to mastering the Chinese language and serving as a cultural ambassador to strengthen Zimbabwe-China relations. 

“Essentially, any role where fluency in Chinese is valuable for interacting with Chinese companies, individuals, or markets excites me. I want to bring back the knowledge I acquired in China and use it here,” he told ChinAfrica.