Learning Paper On The Use Of Existing Nursery Operators To Improve Banana Seedling Supply

Identified Learning

The engagement of existing nursery operators has emerged as critical learning in MESPT’s implementation of its banana value chain interventions in Taveta. Initially, the programme adopted a rigorous selection and onboarding process for lead farmers to become banana nursery operators. While this method was meant to build localized capacity, it faced limitations in ensuring consistency in seedling availability. However, a shift to working with nursery operators already active in the seedling business has proved more sustainable and impactful, directly accelerating results in banana seedling adoption.

Context that led to this learning

To ensure banana farmers in Taveta could access quality tissue culture seedlings, MESPT initially designed a farmer-led nursery model in 2021. This approach involved identifying and onboarding 20 lead farmers based on strict criteria—such as land ownership, willingness to donate space for demo farms, capacity to co-finance input costs, and readiness to support other farmers through knowledge sharing.

The selected farmers were supported in setting up nurseries and demo farms, with the intention of creating decentralized sources of affordable, high-quality seedlings. While this model saw initial success, by the second year, most of the lead farmers had stopped supplying fully hardened seedlings. As a result, farmers were forced to source seedlings from distant locations like JKUAT, Stockman Rozen, Mimea International and Naivasha, incurring high transport costs and experiencing planting delays.

In 2023, MESPT shifted strategy and onboarded two existing nursery businesses—Mazingira Supplies and Tunza Mazingira—both already engaged in tree seedling production. These businesses quickly adapted to banana seedlings and have since maintained consistent supply, demonstrating the value of working with established players.

Christopher Meleji’s Nursery (Meleji Demo Farm and Nurser in Msheghesheni area-Taveta subcounty)	Cecilia Maina’s Nursery (Tunza Mazingira Demo Farm and Nursery-Darajani-Taveta subcounty)

How learning has influenced delivery of DMDP / MESPT intervention

Previously, the programme struggled with low restocking rates and delayed planting, which hindered timely farm establishment and reduced impact. The new learning—prioritizing experienced nursery operators—has significantly improved seedling flow and programme efficiency.

Rather than building capacity from scratch, the programme now recognizes the importance of leveraging existing enterprises that already have nursery infrastructure, market know-how, and operational systems in place. This learning has influenced MESPT’s broader approach to nursery development and is hopeful for replication in other counties and sub-counties not only in the banana value chain

How the learning has enhanced programme results

The change in strategy has had a direct and measurable impact on the performance of the programme. With a consistent and reliable supply of hardened banana seedlings now available, planting efforts in 2024 reached 140,388 seedlings. This contributed significantly to the programme’s annual achievement of 202,351 banana seedlings planted that year. Since the inception of the intervention, a cumulative total of 326,953 seedlings has been planted.

These outcomes would have been difficult to realize under the original model, which was hindered by inconsistent seedling availability. In contrast, the steady supply provided by the newly engaged nursery operators has enabled farmers to plan their planting schedules more effectively and reduced their exposure to delays caused by external input shortages. This strategic adjustment has thus proven critical in enhancing both the efficiency and resilience of the programme.

Potential opportunities to apply this learning into other areas of DMDP / MESPT intervention

The success of engaging existing nursery operators presents several promising opportunities for scaling and replication. One such opportunity lies in encouraging youth entrepreneurs to venture into banana nursery businesses. This could create meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods for young people, while also strengthening the agricultural value chain. Additionally, farmer groups can be supported to invest in and operate commercial nurseries using cooperative models. This collective approach can enhance access to resources, reduce individual risks, and enable scaling at community level.

Another opportunity involves expanding nursery operations to counties beyond Taveta. By replicating the model in other regions, MESPT can increase its geographical footprint and impact more farmers across Kenya. Furthermore, there is potential for deeper collaboration with the Taita Taveta County government, particularly the Department of Crops. Such partnerships can support the planning and implementation of widespread annual seedling distribution initiatives, ensuring consistent and sustainable access to quality planting materials at scale.

Opportunities to demonstrate this learning to sector stakeholders to influence action

MESPT can amplify this learning through several strategic actions aimed at enhancing visibility, adoption, and impact. One key approach is forming partnerships with county governments to integrate private nursery operators into official seedling distribution programs. Such collaboration would formalize the role of these operators, ensuring sustained access to quality planting materials for farmers across wider regions.

Additionally, MESPT can leverage policy influence platforms to highlight the success of engaging existing nursery businesses. By sharing evidence from the Taveta experience, MESPT can advocate for the inclusion of similar models in county and national agricultural policies.

The use of demonstration farms and organizing exchange visits presents another opportunity to scale the model. These practical learning experiences can allow other farmer groups, county officials, and development partners to witness firsthand the benefits of partnering with established nursery operators.

Finally, the learning can be captured in programme documentation, learning briefs, and sectoral reports. Presenting it as a case study in effective private-sector collaboration in agriculture will not only inform future interventions but also position MESPT as a leader in promoting innovative and sustainable agricultural models.

Additional Comments (this includes testimonials)

“The engagement of established nursery businesses has enabled consistent banana seedling supply throughout the seasons, improving timely farm establishment and fast-tracking programme outcomes. In 2024, banana seedling planting stood at 140,388, with an annual achievement of 202,351 seedlings.” MESPT Programme Team

“It’s important for projects to leverage professionals who are already established in their respective fields. Not only is it easier to work with them, but they also bring passion and long-term commitment to their work. Unlike someone who might take on a role just to complete a task, these professionals understand and appreciate the deeper impact a project can have—especially when it builds on existing initiatives.” Cecilia Maina – Nursery Operator Tunza Mazingira Nursery and Demo Farm