The Kenyan government is stepping up efforts to enhance agricultural development through various initiatives aimed at actualizing its agricultural agenda. Dr. Paul Rono, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Agriculture, emphasized the government’s commitment to this cause during the recent Financing Agriculture Sustainably Conference. He highlighted the significant land resources available for agricultural activities and the importance of private sector collaboration in driving growth in this sector.
Land Utilization and the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA)
Dr. Rono pointed out that the government currently possesses nearly 1.7 million hectares of arable land, which is crucial for realizing the objectives outlined in the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA). This initiative aims to empower local communities and stimulate economic growth from the grassroots level, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices.
A key component of this initiative is the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, where the government is actively cultivating staple crops such as rice, sunflower, and maize. Dr. Rono stated, “We have around 1.6 million hectares of land we are using for livestock, but what we have done with Galana is to make it usable for our food production.” This strategic approach not only aims to increase food production but also addresses food security challenges facing the country.
Engaging Private Investors
Recognizing the role of the private sector in enhancing agricultural productivity, the government is reaching out to various investors to utilize these vast land resources for food production. Dr. Rono noted that five private companies have expressed interest in partnering with the government to explore opportunities in agriculture. Furthermore, the government is encouraging foreign investors to invest in Kenya’s agricultural sector, fostering an environment that supports sustainable agricultural practices.
The collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders is crucial for tapping into the potential of the available land. Dr. Rono emphasized that there are large tracts of land throughout the country that will soon be advertised for leasing, providing further opportunities for private investors to engage in agricultural activities.
Promoting Horticultural Crops
In addition to staple crops, the government is actively promoting the cultivation of horticultural crops, particularly avocado, due to its lucrative foreign exchange potential. “In terms of market, we have a good market both in Europe, the US, and China, and as a government, we want to promote the crop’s cultivation among other horticultural crops we are producing,” Dr. Rono said. This move not only aims to boost the country’s export earnings but also encourages farmers to diversify their crop production for increased profitability.
However, Dr. Rono acknowledged challenges related to crop quality, noting past incidents where crops exported did not meet international standards. “We have had one case of avocado that was being exported being premature and this is very unfortunate,” he stated. The government is implementing stringent measures to ensure that all agricultural produce meets the necessary health and safety standards for both local and international markets.
Combating Illegal Trade and Ensuring Quality
The issue of illegal trade in substandard agricultural produce has raised concerns, with recent reports of traders attempting to export raw avocado fruits that do not meet quality standards. In response, Dr. Rono assured the public that the government would take action against individuals involved in the illegal sale of rejected agricultural products. “I have seen individuals collecting the produce and selling them along the road corridors. They are doing illegal food hawking,” he noted, emphasizing that foods unfit for international markets are also unfit for local consumption.
To combat this trend, the government, in collaboration with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), is launching a rigorous program aimed at eradicating substandard agricultural products from the market. This initiative will extend to monitoring supermarkets and retail outlets to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Addressing Maize Production Challenges
Addressing the current maize production situation, Dr. Rono highlighted that this year, the country produced 44 million bags, falling short of the 48 million bags needed annually, resulting in a shortfall of 4 million bags. “To achieve and reduce the cost of Ugali, the government every month requires close to 4 million bags of maize,” he explained. To mitigate this issue, the government is leveraging its strategic food reserve initiative to stabilize the maize market and ensure timely access to quality cereals for millers.
To support local farmers, the government has initiated a comprehensive program to purchase maize directly from farmers at a subsidized price of KSh 4,000 per bag. Currently, there are approximately 64,000 bags of maize stored in National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores, and the government encourages farmers to bring their surplus maize to contribute to food security.
Dr. Rono warned that if the government fails to secure enough maize, it may have to consider exporting maize to meet demand, highlighting the importance of maintaining strategic food reserves to navigate the challenges posed by seasonal variations in production.
Financial Support for Farmers
Recognizing the financial challenges that farmers face, the government is partnering with the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to enhance access to financing for agricultural activities. Dr. Rono revealed that the government has allocated KSh 10 billion to AFC to provide loans to farmers. “We are aware of the challenges when it comes to recovery of loans, but we have notified all the defaulters to make sure that they pay back their loans so that we can take them back and be able to give other farmers who are requesting loans,” he said.
This financial support aims to empower farmers to invest in their agricultural operations, increase productivity, and contribute to food security in the country. The government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers have access to adequate resources is a crucial step towards enhancing agricultural output and sustainability.
Conclusion
The Kenyan government’s initiatives to boost agricultural development demonstrate a comprehensive approach that emphasizes collaboration with the private sector, promotes sustainable practices, and addresses quality control issues in agricultural production. With the vast land resources available and targeted financial support for farmers, there is significant potential for transforming the agricultural landscape in Kenya.
By prioritizing food security, encouraging diversification of crops, and ensuring adherence to health standards, the government aims to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting both local and international demands. As the initiatives outlined by Dr. Rono unfold, it will be essential for all stakeholders, including farmers, investors, and government agencies, to work collaboratively towards achieving a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for Kenya.
