AGRICULTURE IN KENYA 

The agricultural sector is undeniably critical to Kenya’s economy, contributing about 33% of the country’s GDP.

However, this sector faces significant challenges, including natural disasters like floods, which have devastated crops and livelihoods.

The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), originally founded in 1901 as the East African Agricultural and Horticultural Society (EAA & HS), aimed to promote agricultural development through European settlement initiatives led by John Ainsworth. Despite this historical foundation, the sector’s modern challenges require contemporary solutions.

From 2004 to 2014, the Kenyan government undertook several initiatives to improve agriculture, as recognized by the Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture (SRA). These initiatives included:

1. Providing incentives for establishing agro-industries in rural areas.

2. Focusing research on value addition through processing, storage, and packaging.

3. Promoting partnerships between smallholders and agribusinesses.

These measures were steps in the right direction, but recent challenges highlight ongoing issues:

– **Flood Damage**: The floods have significantly damaged crops, infrastructure, and livelihoods, especially impacting smallholder farmers.

– **Fertilizer Shortage**: Complaints about fertilizer shortages and other essential agricultural inputs have been voiced by farmers, notably highlighted by recent concerns raised by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi.

– **Lack of Updated Technology and Financial Services**: Farmers struggle with outdated technology, insufficient financial services, and inadequate extension services, which are essential for modern farming.

USAID’s involvement aims to enhance Kenya’s agricultural competitiveness by:

– Increasing productivity and incomes for smallholder farmers.

– Improving access to clean water and energy.

– Increasing access to affordable financing.

– Enhancing agro-processing and creating off-farm jobs.

While these goals are ambitious and necessary, the tangible impact on the ground remains a critical concern for many farmers, especially those in the flood-affected western regions.

**Current Government Efforts**: 

The government has made some strides in addressing these issues, including:

– **Subsidizing Inputs**: Efforts to subsidize fertilizers and other inputs to make them more affordable for farmers.

– **Infrastructure Development**: Initiatives to improve rural infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, to help farmers access markets more easily.

– **Research and Development**: Increasing investment in agricultural research to develop more resilient crop varieties and better farming practices.

However, the effectiveness and reach of these efforts are still debated. The continuous impact of climate change, poor infrastructure, and limited resources pose ongoing challenges. It is crucial for both the government and supporting organizations like USAID to not only make promises but also ensure that these initiatives reach and positively impact the farmers who need them the most.

In summary, while there have been improvements and efforts to bolster the agricultural sector in Kenya, significant challenges remain. The recent natural disasters and ongoing issues with input shortages and technology access highlight the need for sustained, effective action from both the government and international partners.