Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-08, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. HealthSignal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Margaret N Mwangi, Wilckyster N Nyarindo, Marther W Ngigi, Hezron N Isaboke, Charles Okpala
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0346796
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Access to quality seed potatoes is essential for boosting productivity and food security among smallholder farmers. However, the adoption and use of these seeds remain low in Kenya, thus constraining yield potential and dietary diversity. This study investigates the adoption, level of use, and impact of quality seeds on household food security among smallholder farmers in Kenya. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 541 households through a multi-stage sampling approach. The Heckman two-stage model estimated factors influencing adoption and usage intensity, while the propensity scores matching model assessed the impact of quality seed use on household food security. The findings indicate that about 44% of farmers used quality seeds, with significant barriers including unavailability, limited accessibility, and high cost of these seeds. Key drivers of adoption and usage intensity included the level of education, total land size, household income, access to extension, digital information, credit access, membership in a farmers’ organization, access to subsidies, livestock portfolio, and geographical location. Adopting quality seeds enhanced household food security, as evidenced by significantly higher household dietary diversity scores (HDDS) and food consumption scores (FCS). This improvement was largely attributed to increased intake of nutrient-dense foods, particularly animal-source proteins, fruits, and vegetables. These results underscore the need for policies that enhance local certified seed multiplication and distribution to increase access and reduce the cost of quality seeds. Supporting the adoption of quality seeds can substantially improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food and nutritional security.
Introduction
Food security remains one of the most urgent global development challenges, with Africa identified as the least food-secure region worldwide [1]. Despite global efforts and progress in recent years to combat malnutrition, many countries are still far from eradicating hunger and food insecurity by 2030 [2]. A joint annual report by [3] revealed that, between 648 and 720 million people- approximately 8% of the world’s population faced hunger, and 2.37 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest number of affected individuals compared to other regions [3,4]. Even more concerning is that approximately 46 million people in East Africa are severely food insecure, and 12 million people face acute malnutrition [5]. Estimates indicate that the prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition in Kenya is high, with approximately 2.15 million Kenyans facing acute food insecurity and 18% of children aged 5–59 months suffering from chronic malnutrition [6].
Food insecurity and malnutrition have detrimental social and economic effects, decreasing individuals’ health and productivity, contributing to around 8% losses in Kenya’s GDP, and accounting for roughly 45% of all child mortality cases reported annually [7]. Addressing food security is, therefore, essential not only in achieving global goals such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG targets 2.1 and 2.2 (ending hunger and malnutrition, respectively), but also in fulfilling Kenya’s Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV, 2023–2027) and Vision 2030. This emphasizes the vital need for agricultural interventions that increase yields, improve food security, and strengthen resilience. Strengthening seed systems is particularly critical, as they form the foundation for sustainable productivity growth, access to improved varieties, and long-term food system resilience.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Margaret N Mwangi, Wilckyster N Nyarindo, Marther W Ngigi, Hezron N Isaboke, Charles Okpala. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by HealthSignal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of HealthSignal’s staff.
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