Development projects have played a big role in ensuring that the nation has enough in terms of food.

1. Challenges facing agricultural
development projects in Kenya
Compiled by;
Agro Irrigation
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2. You will agree with me that agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy and the
introduction of these agricultural projects in Kenya have helped a great deal in ensuring that
the country produces enough food for its citizens.
Every government will always strive to have measures put in place so as to boost in the
production of the agricultural products.
It’s due to this reasons that the Kenyan government decided to put in place measures which
could help its citizens gain and even improve on their farming skills through the training
which are also incorporated in the development projects.
Agriculture is the lifeline of 80% of Kenya’s population who live in the rural areas, including
farmers, workers and the unemployed. Currently, 70% of Kenya’s employment is in
agriculture, consequently creating jobs and income to the rural folks thereby alleviating
poverty
There are however some challenges which have been hindering the success of these
development projects in Kenya. This is partly due to some poor past policies and they
include;
Challenges facing development projects in Kenya
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3. i. Lack of access to credit
ii. Non availability of quality seeds and inappropriate production technologies
especially for small holder farming
iii. High cost of farm inputs
iv. Inconsistencies in policy/poor institutional and legal frame work
v. Poor and inadequate infrastructure in the rural areas, especially feeder roads, power
supply and market facilities.
vi. Inadequate research, inefficient extension of delivery systems as well as inadequate
extension services and support.
vii. Insecurity in some areas which have a high potential to produce more, and cattle
rustling in the northern part of Kenya.
viii. Lack of effective coordination of investment activities among the key stakeholders in
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agriculture
ix. Unfavourable weather conditions and high dependence on rain-fed agriculture
production
x. Population pressure on the natural resources. As a result, many indicators of rural
livelihood have been worsening indicating an increase in rural poverty.
Important elements which can help improve agricultural sub-sector

4. In order for agriculture sub-sector to grow at about 4-5% per annum so as to contribute to
national growth and an increase rural wealth and development, as a nation we will have to
put in place the following elements;
 Building an effective, and efficient participatory extension, and technology delivery
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service.
 Establishing efficient rural finance and credit supply system for small holders and
rural primary agro-processors
 Improving governance of the co-operative sector by empowering farmers. This is one
of the most important elements and if implemented it would be the effective rural
development strategy for Kenya.
 Protecting water catchment areas by developing forest plantations. For agriculture
to succeed we need water and therefore it is very important to ensure that we
protect our forests and water catchment areas.
 Facilitating long term investments in farm improvement
 Ensuring policies, institutional and legal frameworks are investor friendly
 Undertaking an affirmative action in agriculture by facilitating participation of
women
 Implementing sound land use, water and environmental policies
By making sure that the necessary policies are put in place, development projects in Kenya
will succeed and help in improvement of the sector.

5. For more information visit;
http://www.agroirrigation.com
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