Food Security in Kenya

834 Comments / Uncategorized / By

Among the government’s development agenda, as stipulated in the ‘Big Four’, Food Security stands tall. In its stipulated road map to development, the government aims to produce 2.76 million bags of maize, rice and feeds in 52,000 acres of land by the end of 2018. Other plans include putting 70,000 acres of land under public-private partnership for selected crops, cotton, aquaculture and feeds production. There are plans to start over 1,000 SMEs to engage in food production and to provide credit services to more than 20,000 individual farmers. Plans have also been laid for the Strategic Food Reserve to have 500,000 bags by the end of 2018.

However, with all this big plans being put in place, the food situation has hit the country again. The effects of the prolonged drought have escalated the problem of food insecurity in Kenya. The Kenya Red Cross recently made a food appeal after reports indicated that over 1.3 million people in the Arid and Semi-arid Land (ASAL) counties are facing starvation. The Kenya Red Cross seeks Ksh. 1.044 billion to fund its drought response and recovery program in Kenya in 2018. The Kenya Red Cross reports that through its initiative, over 1.2 million drought stricken people have been assisted through various interventions such as direct cash transfers, health and nutrition outreaches, rehabilitation of communal watering points and offtake of animals.

It is important to note that similar appeals by Kenya Red Cross were made in 2011, 2016, and 2017.

The question that lingers is, “For how long will this keep recurring?”

Isn’t the country well resource-endowed to produce enough to feed its people? The story of the food situation in Kenya can better be understood by the following data and analysis.

  1. Maize

In Kenya, food security is almost synonymous with the availability of maize. Maize, in its different forms is the main staple food in the country and food security is most households is measured in terms of access and availability of this “precious commodity”.

i. Maize Production v. Consumption

As indicated in the graph below, Kenya has never produced enough maize to meet its demand in the last 7 years. The closest the country’s production of maize came to meeting the consumption was in 2012 while 2017 had both the lowest production levels of maize and the highest consumption levels.

ii. Maize Production and Area Harvested

It can be observed that the area under production of maize increased in 2012. This was followed by a sharp decline in the area where maize was harvested between 2012 to 2015 from where it stabilized. It is interesting to note that the production trends did not mirror the trend in area harvested. In 2015, despite a reduction in area harvested, the production levels increased. This implies that the productivity in terms of yield from the country grain producers was enhanced. Sadly, the trend was not lasting as production per unit area decreases in the subsequent years.

iii. Maize Availability v. Consumption

It can be observed that the country falls back to imports to supplement the deficit in maize availability in the country. The two periods with sharp increase in the amount of maize imports were between 2013–2014 and 2016–2017. Interestingly these periods were the electioneering periods.

2. Rice

It is clear that nothing much has changed in terms of increase the productivity of rice in Kenya. Despite a sharp increase in the area harvested from 2014, the production remains fairly constant. This points out to either ineffective production practices, bad climate, or use of poor seeds. The consumption for rice has been on steady rise from 2014. This has in turn caused increase in imports for the commodity.

3. Wheat

The production of wheat in the country is less than half the demand for the commodity in the country. The country has had to rely on the imports to cater for the deficit in availability of wheat. The consumption of the wheat has been on a steady rise from 2014. The production levels have not adjusted accordingly to respond to the increasing demand. In 2014, there was a reduction in area of wheat harvested by about 10% which saw production decrease by almost 11%.

Comparative Analysis of Maize, Rice, and Wheat

a. Production

The production capacity for maize has been on the decline with 2017 having the least production in the last seven years. 2014 was clearly a bad year for agricultural production as there was a noted decrease in production for the three commodities. Despite the government’s investment in irrigation projects such as Galana/Kulalu irrigation scheme, not much impact has been felt in terms of production capacity.

b. Consumption

The trends in the consumption for rice and wheat has been on the rise. It’s worth noting that between 2015 and 2016, the consumption of maize reduced while that on wheat and rice rose significantly. During this period, there was a significant drop in the production of maize in the country. However, among the three products, maize still remains the most favored commodity by the Kenyan people.

c. Imports

It is clear that the country is very dependent on imports in meeting the deficit between the local production of maize, rice, and wheat and the consumption. In 2017, all the three grains recorded an all time high record of imports. This might be as a result of the electioneering period and severe drought that hit many parts of the country.

d. Area Harvested

It can be noted that the area harvested for wheat and rice have had an increase between 2011 and 2017. Fore maize, there has been a significant reduction in the area harvested. This is a worrying trend considering the high appetite of Kenyans for maize and its byproducts. Has maize production stopped being attractive to farmers? Has the infestation by armyworms and maize lethal necrosis (MLN) discouraged our farmers from the once lucrative crop? Have the effects of climate change and the unreliable rainfall pattern made the farmers shift from maize production?

Conclusion

People in Kenya relate food security to availability and accessibility of maize and its byproducts. It’s no wonder revolutions such as Unga revolution arise whenever the menace of drought hits the country. Other products that are common in most households in Kenya are rice and wheat but these have not been given much attention. The production levels as highlighted in the discussion above indicate that not much has been done to improve the productivity of these commodities which could serve as a substitute to maize. This would certainly help ease the pressure on maize that has seen its prices hike to a point of requiring government intervention through subsidizing the prices of the commodity.

834 thoughts on “Food Security in Kenya”

  18. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/the-intriguing-gameplay-features-of-aviator-game?sharedLink=155ebba0-24ca-4f7b-86d2-efe0061263b1

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writting this site.

    I am hooping to view thee same high-grade content from you later on as well.

    In fact, yoir creative writing abilities has encouraged mme to get my own, personal blog now
    😉 https://www.bulbapp.com/u/the-intriguing-gameplay-features-of-aviator-game?sharedLink=155ebba0-24ca-4f7b-86d2-efe0061263b1

  24. Cyril

    Superb blog! Do you have any hint for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you propose starting wit a free platform like WordPress or go for a
    paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any suggestions? Thank you! https://slots-strategy.mystrikingly.com/

  37. Bobbie

    Awesome blog! Do you have any tips and hints
    for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own site
    soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free
    platform like Wordpreess or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused ..

    Any recommendations? Appreciate it! https://camillacastro.us/forums/viewtopic.php?id=327495

  85. https://bicycledude.com/forum/profile.php?id=1523785

    Hey I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while
    I was looking on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and
    would just like to say thanks for a tremendous post and a all round enjoyable blog
    (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
    look over it all at the moment but I have book-marked itt
    and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
    to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work. https://bicycledude.com/forum/profile.php?id=1523785

  97. Https://98e.fun/space-uid-7734791.html

    hello there and tbank you for your infofmation – I’ve
    definitely picked up anything new from right here.
    I diid however expertise some technical issues using thiss website, since I experienced to reload the
    website many times previous to I could geet it to load properly.
    I had been wondering if your web host iis OK?
    Noot that I am complaining, but slokw loading instances tiomes will often affect your pladement
    inn google and can damage yourr quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out forr
    much more of your respective fascinating content.
    Make sure you update this again soon. https://98e.fun/space-uid-7734791.html

  103. Zenaida

    What i don’t understood is if truth be told howw you’re now not actually mucxh more smartly-favored than you may be now.

    You’re very intelligent. You know therfefore significantly witrh regards to this topic, pproduced me personally imagine it from numerous
    numesrous angles. Its like women annd men aren’t interested unti
    it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs
    outstanding. All the time handle it up! http://another-ro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=152406

  136. https://gotraveltipss.blogspot.com/2024/05/8-tips-for-visiting-national-parks-on.html

    hey thhere and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from right
    here. I did however expertise several tecdhnical points using this web
    site, since I experienced too reload the wedbsite a lot
    of times previous to I could gget itt to load properly.
    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that Iam complaining,
    bbut sluggish loadding instances times will very frequently affect
    your placement in google and can damage your quality score if ads
    andd marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSSto my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content.
    Ensure that you update this again very soon. https://gotraveltipss.blogspot.com/2024/05/8-tips-for-visiting-national-parks-on.html

  139. Earnestine

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of youur posts as long as Iprovide credit
    and sources back to your website? My blog site iis inn the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would definitely benefit from a
    lot of the information you provide here. Please let me
    know if this okay wit you. Cheers! https://buget-trevel.mystrikingly.com/

  142. Katharina

    I do not leave a response, but I browsed a few of the respnses onn this page Food
    Security inn Knya | Datascience Limited. I actually do have a few quuestions for you if you ddo noot mind.
    Could it be just me or does it look like like some of the remarks look like they are coming frrom
    brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if yoou are posting on additional sites,
    I would like to follow you. Could you post a list oof the complete urls of all yourr shared sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile? https://664f6643c4be6.site123.me/

  152. Ukraine

    Discover intriguing news content articles here, covering smashing
    headlines, global extramarital affairs, and tech developments.
    Our concise and even unbiased content should keep you well informed and engaged,
    supplying an unique perspective about diverse topics.
    Stay updated and overflowing with our quality news stories.

  156. https://ssclinicalservices.com/2024/05/21/---bet-match/

    After I originally left a comment I appear to have
    clicked the -Notify me when new comments aare added- checkgox
    and now every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails
    with the same comment. There has too be a means you can remove me from that service?
    Cheers! https://ssclinicalservices.com/2024/05/21/%d0%ba%d0%b0%d0%ba-%d0%b7%d0%b0%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b3%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%82%d1%80%d0%b8%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d1%82%d1%8c%d1%81%d1%8f-%d0%bd%d0%b0-bet-match/

  162. https://lgukapangan.gov.ph/2024/05/21/---/

    I don’t write many responses, holwever i did a few searching and wound upp here Food Security
    in Kenya | Datascience Limited. And I do have a few questions for you if it’s allright.
    Could it be simply me or does it lpok as if loke some oof the responses look
    as if they are wrigten by brain deawd people?
    😛 And, iif you are writing on other online social sites, I woukd like to keep up with
    everything new you have to post. Could you make a list of every one
    of all your public pages like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter
    feed? https://lgukapangan.gov.ph/2024/05/21/%d0%be%d0%b3%d0%bb%d1%8f%d0%b4-%d0%ba%d0%b0%d0%b7%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%be-%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%bc%d0%b0%d1%82%d1%87-%d1%83%d0%ba%d1%80%d0%b0%d1%97%d0%bd%d0%b0/

  166. Https://Diaramjohnson.Com

    Hmm it looks like you site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I
    guess I’lljust sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog writer buut I’m still new to everything.
    Do you have any pooints for rookie blog writers?
    I’d definitely appreciate it. https://diaramjohnson.com/blog/2024/05/21/%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%94%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%96%D1%8F-%D0%B2-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%82-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%87/

  178. Https://Pixabay.Com/Users/Aviatorgame-43890672

    Howdy I am so excited I found yyour blog page, I really foun you by mistake,
    while I was looking on Askjeeve foor something else, Nonetheless I
    am here now and would just like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a
    all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at thee minute but I have book-marked it aand also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to rwad a lot more, Please do keep
    up the awesomje b. https://pixabay.com/users/aviatorgame-43890672/

  189. http://pendikescortbayan34.com/author/sebastianha/

    I leqve a leave a response whenever I especially enjoy a article on a website or
    I have something to contribute tto the conversation. It’s
    a result of the fire displayed in the article I browsed.

    Annd after his article Food Secuurity in Kenya | Datascience Limited.
    I was actually excited enough to write a commment 🙂 I actually do have
    2 questions for you iff you don’t mind. Is it
    simpl mme or do some of these responses come across as if they are
    coming from brain dead individuals? 😛 And, if you
    are posting at other online sites, I would like to keep up with everything new you
    have to post. Would you list the complete urls oof all your communal sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedi profile? http://pendikescortbayan34.com/author/sebastianha/

  192. https://affiliates.trustgdpa.com/essay-writing-for-freshmen-and-everyone-else/

    I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of space .
    Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this
    site. Reading this information So i’m haopy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
    I so much undoiubtedly will make certain to don?t forget this website and provides itt a glance on a continuing basis. https://affiliates.trustgdpa.com/essay-writing-for-freshmen-and-everyone-else/

  201. pvp777

    Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know
    a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but
    I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different
    web browsers and both show the same results.

  211. https://www.tumblr.com/farinell/746199571803308032/utilizao-de-modelos-matemticos-abordagens-e

    Its like yyou read mmy mind! You appear tto know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or
    something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message
    home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent
    blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back. https://www.tumblr.com/farinell/746199571803308032/utiliza%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-modelos-matem%C3%A1ticos-abordagens-e

  220. http://demo.qkseo.in/viewtopic.php?id=834447

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if youu knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that
    automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in liike this
    for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something likee this.
    Please let mee know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoyy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates. http://demo.qkseo.in/viewtopic.php?id=834447

  230. pvp777

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and
    I to find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to offer one thing back and help others like
    you aided me.

  263. pvp777

    Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?

  304. 카지노사이트

    Wow what you wrote is amazing thank you for sharing it. I just recommend to you this is the casino online game, it is not a scam promise, it will help you what the casino really is.

  312. دستگاه لیوان کاغذی

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a
    sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear
    and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.

    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  316. pvp777

    Hello, I think your website might be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a
    quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!

  331. pvp777

    Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I’d state.
    This is the first time I frequented your website page and to this
    point? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this particular
    submit amazing. Fantastic activity!

  468. Boiff

    Oliver Kay2 Lazio will be looking to cement second spot when it hosts mid-table Torino in league action. Lazio has won seven of its past eight matches to move to second, albeit 14 points behind runaway leader Napoli. It is two points above Juventus, after the Bianconeri had a 15-point penalty suspended, and five ahead of fourth-placed Roma. Lazio will be without Ciro Immobile after the forward’s car collided with a tram. Torino is winless in its past four matches. Also, Spezia and Salernitana will be hoping to move away from the relegation zone when they play bottom club Sampdoria and Sassuolo respectively. After eliminating Chelsea to reach the semifinals of the Champions League for the 11th time in 13 seasons, Real Madrid turns its focus back to the domestic league and a game against Celta Vigo at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Madrid is virtually out of contention for the title, as it trails Barcelona by 11 points, but it is in danger of losing second place to Atletico Madrid if it doesn’t finish strong. It has a two-point gap to Atletico, which on Sunday visits Barcelona. Celta, sitting in 12th place, is winless in three maches.
    https://edwinpiyn802467.tribunablog.com/everton-beat-liverpool-41687084
    Call us on:+234 813 1149 662,+254 796 118 357 (Kenya)Email: Skype: Along with football league predictions, we also provide tips for all matches in football tournaments. These include the Soccer World Cup, Euro 2020 and Euro 2021, Africa Cup of Nations, UEFA Champions League, etc. For each of these football tournaments we will provide tips for each match, as well as the full tournament schedule and any betting bonuses that the betting sites have for the tournament. Norwegian Tippeligaen There are many sites that purport to predict football matches correctly. So, which one should you trust? Which site is the best football prediction website?One site that has a good reputation for accurately offering soccer predictions and tips is kingspredict. This site uses a complex algorithm to make its predictions, taking into account a variety of factors, such as home-field advantage, soccer team picks, recent results, and injuries.

  497. Evan Larosa

    Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  544. yard maintenance near me

    Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  584. Pronerve6 Reviews

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  592. xerhmebno

    Correct Score Prediction1 – 4 Disclaimer: Soccervital is strictly an information-based website. We do not offer any opportunities to win real money or prizes. Our aim is to provide accurate and valuable information for football and soccer predictions and statistics, making us a reliable publisher of such information. Over Under PredictionOver 2.5 Correct Score Prediction1 – 4 Clean sheets: 10% Goals scored per game: 2.80 Correct Score Prediction1 – 4 DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting or prizes. Do you want to predict Over 2.5 Goals?There are plenty of factors that can help you predict Over 2.5 Goals in soccer. Please note that all predictions and picks provided on this website are for informational purposes only and do not come with any guarantee of accuracy or success. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that match details, including odds, may change throughout the day.
    https://landenhjjy964207.estate-blog.com/27461834/manual-article-review-is-required-for-this-article
    Major League Baseball (MLB) is America’s favorite pastime and holds a special place in the hearts of sports bettors. The MLB season spans several months, offering numerous games for betting enthusiasts. Betting markets for baseball include moneylines, run lines, totals, and various player prop bets. With detailed statistical analysis, MLB betting sites attracts both casual and seasoned bettors. If you prefer your batting sports to have a more international flavor then you’ll want cricket betting sites. Yes.  10bet.mx, Codere.mx, bet365.mx, Betway.mx and NetBet.mx are all officially licensed and regulated by the Interior Ministry of Mexico.  If you have patriotic feelings and you want to support companies that directly return fees and taxes to Mexico, these are your best choices for play.  However, if you want to maximize your returns by getting the best odds, you should not be afraid of playing with internationally reputable betting sites as listed on OddsJet for Mexico. 

  593. Fitspresso

    Keep up the excellent piece of work, I read few articles on this internet site and I conceive that your blog is really interesting and has bands of great info .

  624. Jamesleact