By: Constantine Sifuna
Latest analysis shows that, agriculture in Kenya remains the largest source of income for both poor and non-poor households in rural areas, therefore, it the major driver of the growth for the Kenyan economy and is the dominant source of employment.
In most cases, farmers in Kenya are capable of producing enough food for the country, but they lack modern agricultural inputs to elevate the productivity of food. Currently, the price of food is very high, where by, everyday many people go bed without taking anything, because they cannot afford. In my view, the government should look for critical ways to support farmers to adopt modern methods of farming, this will facilitate production of enough food in the country.
For instance, Kenyan’s agriculture is fully rain dependent and susceptible to drought shocks, there is the need for the government to support farmers to invest in irrigation, by doing this; however, it will raise the sector’s total factor productivity. Farmers in Kenya are still using manures in farming because the cost of fertilizer currently is too high for farmers, the government should subsidize fertilizers to ensure that they are efficient and transparent for farmers to use and also extend subsidies to seeds.
They should also establish structured commodities trading; this could minimize inefficiencies and transform small holder farmers from substance into successful agribusiness. Stop buying foods from outside the country, rather support farmers to produce enough food for the country, this will improve the economy of the country and perhaps, many people will be employed. In this current situation of hunger, it is high time people to embrace agriculture; it is the only way of getting out of hunger.
The government should therefore support farmers to modernize Agriculture as the only strategy which can help the country to achieve food security for Kenyans.
Elizabeth Angira