The levying of Agriculture Produce Cess (APC) is one of the most significant barriers to trade for agricultural producers across the country. A study conducted by CGA in 2017 and by the Kenya Market Trust in 2016 revealed that multiple and high agricultural cess rates were being charged arbitrarily and with no justification for the rates applied across different counties. CGA with the support of…
By Dominic Omondi The Cabinet is over the next two months expected to give the defining verdict on whether to lift the ban on GMOs that was imposed in 2012. The ban followed a controversial study that alleged GMOs cause cancer. All indications are that the Cabinet is likely to give the nod to the controversial technology as the country grapples with continued perennial food…
By Yogesh Chauhan The global population will reach 8.5 billion by 2030, according to the UN. Making sure we can produce and distribute enough food to match the demand is already one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. To keep up with the ever-increasing needs of society, we need to rethink the way we approach the food industry through technology in agriculture. Of course,…
By Lominda Afedraru Scientists at Makerere School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences have over the years engaged in manufacturing portable tractors for various farm operations. These operations range from ploughing, weeding, sowing seed to harvesting, threshing, and irrigation. This innovation is by scientists majoring in Agricultural Science and Engineering at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). Prof Noble Banadda, a lecturer in the area…
By Tom Mshindi The Kenyan government through the agriculture ministry has unveiled proposals this past week that if well implemented could significantly improve the contribution of the agriculture sector to the overall economy and the food security situation. But this, like many others, will remain only a road-map if there is no concerted effort to drive to the destination. Mobilization Although not original or innovative…
Press Statement FARMER CONCERNS REGARDING THE DECLARED DUTY-FREE MAIZE IMPORTATION WINDOW IN JULY Agriculture is the engine of economic growth in Kenya and a valuable source of income for most Kenyans. About 75 percent of Kenyans derive all or part of their livelihoods from the sector. The primary actor in agriculture is the farmer, yet, the state of Kenyan farmers, particularly maize farmers is dire,…
Agriculture in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) is constrained by low annual rainfall. This calls for the diversification of the rural economies to reduce reliance on climate-sensitive agricultural practices, through the adoption of drought-tolerant crop varieties, empowerment of rural farmers to become more resilient to climate change and building the capacity of smallholder farmers to access local and international organized markets. In response to…
Technological investments in agriculture can help East Africa deal with a looming food shortage and raise the sector’s contribution towards economic growth and creating jobs, World Bank experts have said. According to the experts, there is a need for governments, donors and private sector to invest in digital agriculture and disruptive technologies — those that render existing technologies obsolete — and apply them in all segments…
Farmers in the breadbasket of North Rift have been urged to grow wheat, barley, and fodder this season following failed rains that have derailed the March planting season amid the worst drought in 38 years. Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Andrew Tuimur said any farmer who will plant maize when the rains eventually come will incur losses. If growers heed to the…
Still waters run deep. This is the term that best describes Vincent Chelule, the farmer we chose to feature in this quarter’s issue of The Sower. Chelule as he is popularly referred to as hails from Chesoton village in Njoro sub-county, Nakuru County. At forty-five years of age, he remains an inspiration to not just his neighbors, but to farmers around the country that he…
