The North Rift region of Kenya is facing a significant drop in wheat production as farmers cut back on acreage due to high production costs and poor market prices. This development could have far-reaching implications for the country’s food security, given that Kenya already struggles to meet its wheat consumption needs.
Farmers’ Plight
Farmers in the North Rift, including Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and parts of Elgeyo Marakwet counties, have voiced their concerns over the current state of wheat farming. Johnson Murei, a wheat farmer from Moiben in Uasin Gishu county, highlighted the challenges he faces. “I struggled to sell my wheat last season due to cheap imports. For us to continue growing wheat, we need better prices by the government controlling imports of wheat since it is hurting us,” Murei said.
Murei, who has significantly reduced his wheat acreage from 120 acres to 50 acres, emphasized that the high cost of chemicals and other inputs has escalated the cost of production to KSh40,000 per acre. To make the venture profitable, he believes that the price needs to increase to KSh4,000 per 90 kg bag, compared to the current KSh2,800 offered by traders and millers.
Shift to Other Crops
The economic pressures have driven many farmers to shift from wheat to other crops like maize. George Kibet, another wheat farmer, reported a 50% reduction in his wheat acreage. This trend is not isolated, as data from the counties indicates a general decline in wheat acreage and production.
Samuel Yego, an agronomist, provided insights into the projected decline in Uasin Gishu county. “Wheat acreage stood at 19,000 hectares last year, but this year Uasin Gishu is projecting 18,000 hectares, which translates to 616,000 bags of 90 kg,” Yego stated. He warned that production would continue to decline if no interventions are made.
The Call for Government Intervention
Farmers have called on the government to review the duty imposed on imported wheat. They argue that the current 10% duty should be increased to 35% to protect local farmers from cheap imports. The influx of imported wheat has made it difficult for local farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices, thereby discouraging them from growing the crop.
Murei’s sentiment is echoed by many farmers in the region who feel that the government’s policies do not adequately support local wheat production. The reliance on imported wheat not only affects the livelihood of local farmers but also poses a risk to the country’s food security.
Declining Production Statistics
Kenya’s wheat production is insufficient to meet its consumption needs. The country produces less than 500,000 tonnes of wheat annually, while the consumption exceeds one million tonnes. This deficit forces the country to import wheat to plug the gap.
In Trans Nzoia county, the situation mirrors that of Uasin Gishu, with many farmers shifting their focus to maize, leading to a projected decline in wheat production.
Conclusion
The reduction in wheat acreage in the North Rift region underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to support local wheat farmers. Without such measures, Kenya risks further decline in wheat production, increased reliance on imports, and potential threats to food security. The farmers’ plea for better prices and government control of wheat imports highlights the critical role of policy in ensuring the sustainability of wheat farming in the country.
