#kenya agriculture

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Massey Ferguson Tractor Ready to Shipment to Kenya

[farmerstrend]

How to make money through sunflower farming in Kenya

Sunflower is a widely adapted oil crop grown in Southwest Kenya. It is a high value cash crop and a source of high quality edible vegetable oil in Kenya. However, its production is low due to use of non certified seeds, poor crop management practices and high bird damage. Most farmers in the region, own small parcels of land (1– 3 acres) and practice Intercropping with maize for household use and…

[everydayesterday]

Half-moons: The Maasai secret weapon - BBC Africa

Kenya’s Masaai community are using a clever technique to reap big rewards in the fight against climate change. Little ‘half moons’ dug into farmland – otherwise known as ‘water bunds’ - capture rainwater, allowing it to sink into the ground instead of washing away. And that means seeds can actually take root and vast areas of land can once again turn green. Maasai conservationist Lanoi Meitiekini explained to the BBC how it works.

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[These are also known as semi-circular bunds or zai pits (though these are typically smaller), and efforts like these are taking place across the Sahel region (the areas bordering the south side of the Sahara Desert]

[oso]

Could Kristen Bell, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos end global hunger?

Could Kristen Bell, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos end global hunger?

I rarely publish essays on my website anymore. For more regular updates, I’ve started keeping a weekly newsletter on Substack. I subscribe to Yuval Harari’s theory of social progress: society improves when we replace a bad story (slavery is okay, women shouldn’t vote, governments should run businesses) with better stories. So that’s what I’m trying to do with this essay; I’m trying to replace a…

[hsmagazine254]

Seizing an Opportunity: The Potential of Buying 10 Acres of Land in Kenya at a Bargain

Unleashing Possibilities: Planning Ahead for Your Land’s Future When it comes to real estate, few investments hold as much promise as acquiring a substantial plot of land at an affordable price. If you’re considering purchasing 10 acres of land in Kenya, the time is ripe to embrace this unique opportunity. Buying land at a bargain price opens up a world of possibilities for the future. In this…

[quotesfrommyreading]

In 2020, east Africa suffered its worst plague of locusts in decades. The previous year, the Horn of Africa had been pounded by rainfall, up to 400% above average levels, aiding the reproduction of locusts. Increased heat is also thought to boost locust numbers, with both factors heavily influenced by climate breakdown. Farmers in Kenya watched on helplessly as the sky darkened with locusts that descended to decimate their corn and sorghum. Separate, massive swarms then broke out in western and central India, chewing up land at a rate not seen in a generation.

A hotter world is likely to bring an array of insect pests and pathogens to attack potatoes, soya beans, wheat, and other crops. A group of American researchers calculated that yields of the three most important grain crops – wheat, rice, and corn – lost to insects will increase by as much as 25% per degree Celsius of warming, with countries in temperate areas hit the hardest. Crop pests also tend to thrive in simplified environments that have been stripped of their predators – another legacy of monocultural farming practices.

  —  How the speed of climate change is unbalancing the insect world

[davidspot-onagriculture]

[nanckyproducts]

Boosting Kenya's Economy: The Rise of Agriculture Exports

Kenya's agriculture sector has long been a cornerstone of its economy, providing employment, income, and sustenance for millions of Kenyans. In recent years, agriculture exports have gained significant momentum, becoming a vital driver of economic growth and development. As Kenya continues to expand its reach in the global market, understanding the dynamics and potential of agriculture exports is crucial for both policymakers and stakeholders in the industry.

The Backbone of the Economy

Agriculture accounts for approximately 34% of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 70% of the rural population. The sector is incredibly diverse, producing a wide range of crops and livestock. Among these, tea, coffee, horticultural products, and fresh flowers stand out as key export commodities that have put Kenya on the global map.

Tea: The Green Gold

Kenya is the largest exporter of black tea in the world, with the crop being a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings. The favorable climate in regions like Kericho, Nandi Hills, and Limuru makes it ideal for tea cultivation. Kenyan tea is renowned for its robust flavor and high quality, making it a preferred choice in markets across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In recent years, value addition through packaging and branding has further enhanced its marketability and revenue generation.

Coffee: From Farm to Cup

Kenyan coffee is another prestigious export known for its rich aroma and distinct taste. Though its production volume is lower compared to tea, Kenyan coffee fetches premium prices in international markets. The high-altitude regions around Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range provide the perfect growing conditions. Efforts to improve coffee production, processing, and marketing are ongoing, with initiatives to support smallholder farmers and enhance sustainability practices.

Horticulture: A Blossoming Sector

The horticultural sector, encompassing fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, has witnessed remarkable growth. Kenya is the leading exporter of cut flowers to Europe, with over 70% of exports destined for the European Union. The sector's success is attributed to favorable climatic conditions, strategic geographical location, and significant investments in infrastructure and technology. Horticulture not only generates foreign exchange but also creates numerous jobs, especially for women and youth in rural areas.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the successes, Kenya's agriculture exports face several challenges. These include climate change, which threatens crop yields and quality; fluctuating global market prices; and stringent international standards and regulations. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as poor roads and limited cold storage facilities, hampers efficient production and transportation.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. Embracing modern agricultural practices, investing in research and development, and enhancing value addition are critical steps towards overcoming these hurdles. Strengthening partnerships with international markets and improving the policy environment can also boost competitiveness and sustainability.

The Future of Agriculture Exports

The future of Kenya's agriculture exports looks promising, with ongoing efforts to diversify export commodities and explore new markets. Initiatives such as the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) play a pivotal role in marketing Kenyan products globally and supporting exporters.

Moreover, the adoption of technology and digital platforms is revolutionizing the sector. From precision farming to blockchain for traceability, these advancements are enhancing productivity, quality, and transparency in the value chain.

Conclusion

Agriculture exports in Kenya are undeniably a lifeline for Kenya's economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and ensuring food security. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, Kenya can solidify its position as a global agricultural powerhouse. As the country navigates the complexities of the global market, continued investment and innovation will be key to sustaining and expanding its agriculture export success.

[coopsday]

Research workshop on Cooperatives for a Sustainable Transformation in Africa held in Kenya.

Workshop on cooperatives for a sustainable transformation in Africa takes place in Nairobi, launching a collaborative research initiative.

Held in Nairobi (Kenya) in December 2023, the Cooperatives for a Sustainable Transformation in Africa (CoopStar) workshop brought together cooperative experts and researchers from 18 African countries, representatives from the ILO’s Cooperatives Unit, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), and the Korea Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCC). Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives in Kenya, Hon. Simon Chelugui opened the workshop. Prof. Frederick Wanyama (Maseno University – Kenya) and Prof. Patrick Develtere (KU Leuven – Belgium), co-authors of the ILO publication “Cooperating out of Poverty: The Renaissance of the African cooperative movement”, co-led the workshop.

[tractorspk]

[farmerstrend]

KALRO and IRRI Partnership to Promote Adoption of Improved High-Yielding Rice Varieties and Climate-Smart Farming

Kenya through the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has partnered with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to promote the adoption of improved high-yielding rice varieties and climate-smart agronomy for increased productivity and income to help achieve food and livelihood security in the country. In this, KALRO and IRRI jointly organized a Farmers’ Field…

[afrotumble]

Kenya imports fridges from South Africa under AfCFTA - Business Daily

“The first consignment that was flagged off to Kenya contained fridges and freezers. Going forward we shall expect imports from South Africa only of the products we do not manufacture in Kenya,” said Ms Miano.

“Kenya will also export to South Africa her tea, coffee, flowers, vegetables, a wide range of fruits, apparel, iron and steel products, among others,” she added.

[online-virtual-agrovet]

The Best Online Virtual Agrovet In Kenya

Virtual Agrovet is an online multivendor marketplace by Farmers Trend that focusses on Animal and Plant Health Products to promote small farmers and vendors. One can sell both products and services. The platform is easy to use and gives you all the power.

[ruralwomenday]

IFAD is supporting Rural women.

With IFAD’s support, Tabitha's farm has stood strong in the face of Climate Change – now has 2,000 monthly orders! She grows coffee, trees, fruits and vegetables with her husband in Kenya.

International Day of Rural Women - 15 October.