As the long rains season approaches in Kenya, the country’s farmers are facing a confluence of challenges that threaten to undermine their livelihoods and the nation’s food security. The onset of the March rains, which are crucial for agricultural production, has been marked by erratic and unpredictable patterns, leaving many farmers uncertain about the best time to plant their crops. Compounding this issue is the persistent shortage of affordable fertilizers, a critical input for boosting crop yields and ensuring food security.
The March rains, also known as the “long rains,” typically arrive in Kenya between March and May, marking the beginning of the main agricultural season. These rains are essential for the cultivation of staple crops such as maize, wheat, and beans, which are the backbone of the country’s food supply. However, in recent years, the patterns of these rains have become increasingly erratic, with delayed onsets, uneven distribution, and sudden downpours that can damage crops.
“This year, the rains have been very unpredictable,” says Josephine Wambui, a smallholder farmer in Nakuru County. “We had some light showers in early March, but then it went dry for several weeks. Now, the heavy rains have started, but we’re not sure how long they will last. It’s making it very difficult for us to plan our planting and farming activities.”
The uncertainty surrounding the rains is compounded by the persistent shortage of affordable fertilizers, a critical input for boosting crop yields and ensuring food security. The global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the conflict in Ukraine, have led to a significant increase in the prices of fertilizers, making them inaccessible for many Kenyan farmers.
“The price of fertilizers has more than doubled in the past year,” laments James Mwangi, a maize farmer in Uasin Gishu County. “I used to pay around 2,500 Kenyan shillings (about $20) for a 50-kilogram bag of fertilizer, but now it’s costing me over 5,000 shillings (about $40). It’s a huge burden on my already tight budget, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford enough to properly fertilize my crop.”
The shortage of fertilizers has far-reaching implications for Kenya’s food security and agricultural productivity. Without adequate access to these essential inputs, farmers may struggle to achieve optimal crop yields, leading to potential shortages and price hikes for staple foods.
In response to the crisis, the Kenyan government has announced a series of measures aimed at supporting farmers and addressing the fertilizer shortage. These include the introduction of subsidized fertilizer distribution programs, the establishment of strategic fertilizer reserves, and efforts to diversify import sources to mitigate the impact of global supply chain disruptions.
“We understand the challenges our farmers are facing, and we are committed to taking immediate action to ensure they have access to the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to our nation’s food security,” says Betty Maina, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development.
However, some experts argue that the government’s interventions may not be enough to address the underlying structural issues that have contributed to the fertilizer crisis. They emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and long-term approach that involves investment in domestic fertilizer production, the promotion of sustainable farming practices, and the diversification of the country’s agricultural sector.
“While the government’s efforts are a step in the right direction, we need to address the root causes of the fertilizer shortage and the challenges posed by climate change,” says Dr. Esther Njuguna-Mungai, a senior scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). “This means investing in the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, promoting the use of organic fertilizers, and empowering smallholder farmers to adopt more resilient farming techniques.”
As Kenyan farmers grapple with the dual challenges of erratic rains and fertilizer shortages, the need for a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing these issues has never been more pressing. By working closely with the government, the private sector, and international development partners, the country’s agricultural community can overcome these obstacles and ensure a more food-secure future for all Kenyans.
About The Author
