An unprecedented population boom which will translate into more mouths to feed is predicted to put a serious strain on food production in 20 years.

<p>Kenya is staring at a major food security crisis thanks to the army worm invasion

Kenya is staring at a major food security crisis in the face of an invasion by the devastating fall army worms that are devouring maize crops in 13 counties and spreading fast to other counties.

As crop production in the country especially smallholder moves beyond subsistence and assume modern and sophisticated trend, hunger for information from a new breed of farmers is at an all-time high.

More than three quarters of smallholder farmers in Kenya and the region are stuck with low yields at every harvesting season in what researchers attribute to a systemic information gap on vital farming techniques

More than three quarters of smallholder farmers in Kenya and the region are stuck with low yields at every harvesting season in what researchers attribute to a systemic information gap on vital farming techniques. The situation is further exacerbated by the changes in weather which have gone on to depress rainfall and ultimately take a toll on yields. Ironically Kenya is home to dozens of research institutions of international repute that continue to produce groundbreaking innovation and findings. From drought tolerant and high yielding crop varieties to state of the art pest and disease control arsenals, even Kenyan scientists have gone on to win worlds most coveted acclaims.

News that last season's depressed rains took a toll on overall food production in the country's food basket regions is worrying.

The adage water is life has been used so long it never evokes any emotions.

Kenya’s horticulture is under siege due to farmers exceeding the international minimum residue levels (MRLs), and the stalled Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAS). The two could cripple the economy, taking with them thousands of jobs.

In 2011, a viral maize disease hit Kenya’s breadbasket, Rift Valley, and depressed yields within months. Farmers woke up to barren lands, wilted maize and dried stalks.

The Government’s recent resolve to make the fertiliser subsidy programme even more accessible to farmers is a welcome relief to the hundreds of thousands of farmers who have courted a litany of woes over the years as access to and availability of the all-important input becomes elusive.