Kenya is poised to make significant strides in its agricultural sector with a bold new initiative aimed at reducing rice imports by 50% over the next five years. This ambitious plan, announced by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja during the 6th Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) General Assembly, is a critical step toward enhancing food security and self-sufficiency in the country.
Held in Nairobi, the assembly brought together over 80 participants from 36 African countries and South Korea. This year’s meeting marks a pivotal moment as it includes the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 14 new member countries, expanding KAFACI’s reach and influence. Established to facilitate the transfer of agricultural technologies and foster strategic partnerships, KAFACI’s expansion highlights its growing role in supporting agricultural development across Africa.
Dr. Karanja’s announcement underscores Kenya’s commitment to addressing the persistent challenge of rice importation. The country currently imports approximately 800,000 metric tonnes of rice annually, while local production lags at around 150,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes. This disparity strains government resources and highlights the urgent need for a sustainable solution. By focusing on embracing high-yielding rice varieties and modern farming technology, Kenya aims to close this gap significantly.
“We are making substantial annual expenditures on rice imports to meet our population’s needs, yet local production remains insufficient,” Dr. Karanja noted. The government’s strategy involves increasing domestic rice production through improved agricultural practices and technology. This includes investing in research and capacity-building to enhance the efficiency and output of local farmers.
A key component of this strategy is the collaboration with KAFACI, which has been instrumental in developing 26 high-yield, high-quality rice varieties suitable for various African environments. Dr. Hwang Yong Kim, Director General of the Rural Development Administration (RDA) in South Korea, emphasized KAFACI’s role in boosting agricultural productivity through technological advancements and research. “We are committed to enhancing the sustainability and resilience of African agriculture,” Dr. Kim said.
The partnership with KAFACI will see Kenya benefit from a Sh6.4 billion (USD 50 million) program aimed at agricultural mechanization across 37 African countries over the next five years. Of this, Sh30 million is allocated specifically for Kenya’s rice production improvements. This funding will support the distribution of new rice varieties and enhance mechanization in key rice-growing regions like Mwea and Ahero.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger highlighted the importance of mechanization in overcoming production challenges. “The introduction of new mechanization technologies is expected to significantly boost rice production and help us meet our import reduction target,” he explained. With current production standing at 200,000 metric tonnes, the goal is to increase this output to 520,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
The move towards self-sufficiency in rice production is not just about meeting domestic demand but also improving food security and economic stability. Rice is a strategic crop for Kenya, contributing to both food security and income for many involved in the rice value chain. The country’s per capita rice consumption stands at 20.6 kilograms per year, highlighting the importance of increasing local production to meet this demand.
As Kenya embarks on this transformative journey, the collaboration with KAFACI and the focus on technological advancements and research signify a promising shift towards greater agricultural sustainability and self-reliance. With these efforts, Kenya is setting a precedent for how strategic international partnerships and innovative agricultural practices can drive significant improvements in food security and economic resilience.
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