Murang’a’s Green Gold: Bitter Struggles Beneath the Boom
By Kimondo Maina, DevReporter, Murang'a County
Key Takeaways
Murang’a contributes 31% to Kenya’s avocado production, making it the country’s leading zone.
Farmers face rampant theft of avocados, often harvested at night before they can sell, even as brokers exploit farmers by buying immature fruit at throwaway prices
Significant enforcement gaps in existing avocado regulations,...
Why Soil Testing Could Transform Kenya’s Food Security Agenda
By Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key Highlights
Many farmers in Kenya are unaware of the importance of soil testing and believe it to be too costly.
Soil testing assesses nutrient levels, pH, crop suitability, and provides soil-specific fertilizer recommendations.
The government, through Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), is currently testing and...
North Rift Livestock Farmers Oppose Mass Vaccination of Animals Against Diseases
By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key highlights
Government targets 22 million cattle, 50 million goats and sheep for vaccination
Vaccination meant to control transboundary animal diseases, enhance animal productivity
Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) manufactures vaccines to be used
Farmers, Kenya Veterinary Association oppose mass vaccination
President William Ruto insists the...
Elderly Residents From Maragua Venture Into Fish Farming
By Rebecca Wangari, DevReporter, Murang’a County
Key Highlights
Fish farming in Murang’a County
High cost of fish feed has been a major challenge to the farmers
The county assembly has approved a budgetary allocation to facilitate revamping of the venture
Faced with economic hardship and dwindling financial support, a group of elderly residents in Maragua,...
Rural Communities Enjoy Fruits of the Shamba System
By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key highlights
Shamba system introduced by colonial government
It aims to afforest degraded plantations
One has to be a member of CFA to be allocated a forest plot
It is not applicable in indigenous forests
It is implemented by the Kenya Forest...
Agriculture in Trans Nzoia in Limbo, as Youth Opt for Jua kali Sector
By Sefu Sabila, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia
Key Highlights
There is a threat to the agricultural sector in Trans Nzoia, as youth are moving to the Jua Kali sector
According to the youth, lack of opportunities and jobs is among the challenges leading to their mass movement from Agriculture
This move threatens the sector
Agronomist...
Meru County: Rural Prosperity through Dairy Farming
Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
Key Highlights
Ayrshire, Jersey and Friesian are the main dairy cow breeds in Meru.
Substandard commercial feeds are a challenge to dairy farmers in the area.
Agriculture is vital to Kenya’s economy because it comprises about 33% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to the current Kenya Dairy Board (KDB)...
Fake Fertilizer threatens Government’s Efforts to Ensure Food Security
By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Agricultural transformation and inclusive growth are one of the twelve elements of the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Fertilizer subsidy is one of the ways the government is using to achieve transformation in the agricultural sector.
In 2023, the country harvested approximately 61 million bags, up from...