Agriculture in Eldoret
Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy. If well-managed, agriculture can be one of the best sources which can spearhead the economy, increase food security in the country, and reduce poverty among a considerable percentage from Kenya. Eldoret is Kenya’s fifth largest town in Kenya. Up until 2008, Eldoret west district was part of the Uasin Gishu district. Uasin Gishu is located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. It borders Kericho and Koibatek in the East, Keiyo, and Marakwet in the northeast area, Trans Nzoia and Lugari in the Northwestern and western part.
The region experiences an average annual rainfall of 900mm to 1200mm. Its primary rainy season starts in March and peaks in July/August, and the average temperature is 18 degrees, rendering the region suitable for agricultural activities. Indeed, agriculture is one of the main activities in Eldoret. It has a vast agricultural potential in the country and also referred to as the breadbasket of the economy. This county produces wheat and maize in large quantities. For instance, maize is usually planted from March to mid- April, and harvesting occurs from November to mid-January.
On the other hand, wheat is often planted from April to May and harvested in August through December. Its soils are also suitable for planting a wide variety of crops, including maize, wheat, and livestock. The red clay soil, widely available in the region, is especially suitable for maize and soy crops. Eldoret region has also enjoyed ‘Moi favoritism’ where the government invested heavily in supporting farming, and economic activity in the area. In fact, during the Moi regime (the former president of Kenya), the Eldoret region enjoyed a massive boost in agriculture, as the government emphasized, and supported food grain producers, and redistribution of wealth. This support ensured a lasting, and agricultural and economic boom in the region, even as other businesses continued to spring up and support agricultural practices. These included farming businesses like the sale of farm inputs, transportation, sale, processing, and even storage facilities like silos. The government continued to support and sponsor infrastructure in the region, which just added allure to farming and agriculture in the Eldoret region.
Other than cereal farming, livestock rearing is also prevalent in the Eldoret region, with almost many farmers keeping and breeding dairy cows. Many farms are also relatively large, and as a result, many farmers keep their cows in free-range systems. Indeed, milk production in the Eldoret region has also sharply increased, especially with the growth and revival of Kenya Cooperative Creameries, and Brookside. Other than livestock keeping, many farmers also practice poultry farming, and farmers breed both layers and broilers in these regions. Exotic poultry farming has also grown considerably in the area, mainly due to the growing demand for chicken products like eggs and meat. A few other farmers also engage in bee farming, goat, and sheep farming.
Challenges facing farmers in Eldoret
Lack of access to markets for farm products. For instance, many maize farmers in Eldoret have faced the problem of a lack of suitable markets for their produce after increased maize imports into the country. Moreover, existing buyers, such as the National Cereals and Produce Board, have often defaulted and delaying these farmers, which is a huge setback for many farmers. Moreover, these farmers have often faced price challenges, especially for products like milk, where the rates are exceedingly low.
Poor Feeder roads. Bad roads also pose a significant challenge, more so for smaller farmers who use feeder roads to access markets. These roads are especially the worst during the rainy seasons, which often coincide with increased agricultural activities during input acquisition or output sales. This is especially heightened for milk production/collection. As milk is a highly perishable item, poor roads that lead to delay in accessing markets or processing facilities pose a significant downside for many farmers. Indeed, some farmers in Eldoret are often left with their milk and other produce when markets become impassable. In as much as Eldoret has better roads compared to other regions, it often receives much rain compared to these regions, which render roads more impassable for a much longer time.
High costs of farm inputs. Many farmers often face the challenge of high input prices, more so of fertilizers. Indeed, the prices of fertilizers have skyrocketed from Ksh. 2000 per bag, to Ksh. 6000 per bag, as of statistics done in 2007. The high costs of farm inputs are partly the reason behind reduced yields of maize and other crops, as compared to previous years. Moreover, the ever-increasing threat of pests and diseases such as the recent locust invasion has often discouraged many farmers as far as farm inputs are involved.
Absence of government veterinary services. This is a critical problem in Eldoret and is deeply tied to the problem of pests and diseases among many farmers in the region. For instance, the veterinary department of the ministry of livestock had not recruited since 1999, and the present veterinary personnel is few and far between that a majority are unable to meet farmers’ needs. Moreover, lower level farmers are ill-equipped, having no vehicles or motorbikes, which could have enabled them to become more effective. Also, local farmers often complain that government veterinary doctors usually take a long time before attending to their cattle, forcing a majority of them to resort to private practitioners who charge more exorbitantly. This is a big challenge, especially for smaller farmers.
Despite these challenges, agriculture in the Eldoret region is still very promising, and farmers are likely to experience increased outputs, especially with support from the government.