Motivate farmers in Kenya to ensure food security

The Rift Valley is regarded as the bread basket of the country. Indeed, most of the cereals that in the past greatly helped in maintaining our national food security came from this region and parts of Western Kenya.

Sadly, things have taken a turn for the worse. The vagaries of nature, poor yields, poor prices offered by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), unscrupulous middlemen and lack of support from the Government have all conspired against what was once regarded as the backbone of the economy. The country is no longer food-sufficient and relies greatly on imports.

Issues raised by farmers before the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture last year have not been resolved. For example, the Government’s promise to provide subsidised fertiliser to farmers is still unfulfilled. NCPB depots don’t have stocks of fertiliser yet this is the right time to have sufficient stocks to enable farmers take advantage of the expected long rains.

The Government should ensure the country is food-sufficient by giving farmers incentives. It should provide, say, other farm inputs like seeds and farm machinery at a subsidised prices that boost production. Also, while the Jubilee-led government must honour a pledge it made to farmers in 2013, it must eliminate meddlesome middlemen to allow farmers enjoy the benefits of their hard work.