The rainy season is here with us in Kenya. Farmers are already starting planting crops.
We hope they will have a bumper harvest this year.
However, people in government should invest in harvesting surface run off water to be used for irrigation and reduce the dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
Israel, the country whose people invented drip irrigation has shown us that even a desert can be turned into a productive agricultural land.
Kenya is largely defined as a water scarce country. Therefore, strategies are needed to counter the adverse effects of water scarcity on agriculture.
The second thing that needs to be addressed is finding proper markets. Which fetch premium prices for the farmer who are currently struggling. Farmers are one of the few people who do not decide their prices. Prices are determined by the middlemen who are known as brokers.
Third, agriculture needs more mechanization. Human labor alone cannot led Kenyans to prosperity. Farmers should embrace mechanization at all levels.
Forth, farm inputs should be made more affordable if farmers are to prosper. Fertilizer, certified seeds, and chemicals for pest control should be subsidized where possible.
If those four steps above are not considered and action taken, Kenya swill always be a net food importer.
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