Journal of Developments in Sustainable Agriculture
Online ISSN : 1880-3024
Print ISSN : 1880-3016
ISSN-L : 1880-3016
Is Doubling Rice Production in Kenya by 2018 Achievable?
Josephat G. Muhunyu
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2012 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 46-54

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Abstract

With a population of 40 million, an annual population growth rate of 2.7% and recent rainfall deficits threatening its food security, Kenya needs to engage in crop diversification at the national level, with a focus on targeting production of staples such as rice in suitable agro-ecological systems. Such enhanced production could play a key role in ensuring that food production gaps are sealed and improving overall national food security. Rice consumption in Kenya is increasing at a rate of 12% annually, as compared with 4% for wheat and 1% for maize. The annual consumption stands at about 300,000 t against a production of 80,000 t. Despite the increased consumption, there has been little growth in rice production despite the huge potential that exists in the country. The Ministry of Agriculture developed a comprehensive National Rice Development Strategy for the period 2008-2018, with the aim of doubling current production. The Rice Promotion Unit, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), conducted a questionnaire survey in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga District, to determine whether this target was achievable by identifying some key challenges that must be solved to meet the goal. Inefficient water management methods and water-rationing programs, crop damage caused by Quelea quelea and weaver birds, and expensive inputs were identified as key bottlenecks. Almost all production activities are done manually, resulting in health hazards and higher costs of production. The rice seed industry is informal, often with poor quality seeds that result in poor crop establishment and yield. Lack of a structured market and access to milling facilities has resulted to very low farm-gate prices. These challenges will affect all the other irrigation schemes currently in operation, as well as new ones. Producers of rain-fed rice will share some of these same challenges. Collaborative initiatives by all the stakeholders involved in every stage of the rice value chain must be emphasized. With accelerated support from local and international development partners such as JICA, rice production in Kenya could be doubled before 2018.

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© 2012 by Agricultural and Forestry Research Center, University of Tsukuba
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