Findings of economic survey 2023 shows need to revamp agriculture for employment creation

According to the Economic Survey 2023 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the agricultural sector declined from negative 0.3 percent in 2021 to negative 1.9 percent in 2022. Production of key crops decline like tea from 537.8 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 535.0 thousand tonnes in 2022. Maize production declined from 36.7 million bags in 2021 to 34.3 million bags in 2022; while wheat production declined from 245.3 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 191.0 thousand tonnes in 2022. Maize and wheat and related products are consumed by a majority of Kenyans. Agriculture is key to our economic growth because it employs 40 percent of the total population and 70 percent of the rural population. Eight ways can be used to revamp our agriculture:

First, is to increase the area under irrigation in Kenya to increase crop production, by running and managing irrigation schemes like Mwea, Bura, Ahero and others effectively. This is because rain fed agriculture will continue to face challenges as a result of climate change and global warming. Secondly, transportation facilities should be constructed in the farming areas to allow for efficient movement of farm inputs and also outputs to the markets. It doesn’t mean that all areas in Kenya have inadequate food at the same time, but food is unable to be moved effectively because of poor road infrastructure in such farming areas. Thirdly, is institutionalization of credit facilities and therefore Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) should be well financed and funded so that it can lend to farmers at lower interest rates for them to increase their farming activities and outputs.

Fourthly, is need for increased research and innovation to develop high yielding inputs, seeds and technologies such that farmers can receive the required inputs at the right time and place for the effective production. Fifth, is effective and strategic marketing of the agricultural produce, including public sensitization on the utilization of the export market, and establishment of crop price policies. Farmers should be able to sell their produce at reasonable prices that enable them to recoup their investments and make a profit for continuous production. Sixth, agricultural land reforms to secure land for agriculture should be sustained. Seventh, encourage cooperative and contract farming and eighth, develop the cottage and small industries to utilize the agricultural produce and hence commercialize farming to attract more Kenyans Dr. Mutegi Giti, Urban management, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) & Environment Specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com, @danielgiti.