4. Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy which contributes to over half of the country’s income with horticulture, coffee and tea being Kenya’s main exports. The majority of Kenya’s population lives in rural areas and derives its livelihood from the land through cash and subsistence farming. Reliance on natural weather patterns for farming affects output adversely, more so with the effects of global warming that have brought with them extremes of weather, floods and drought. Famine is a common phenomenon in a number of parts in the country. Our goods are also subjected to unfair trade practices in the export markets besides the challenges of making payments on time for the crops. Trade in farm produce is also hampered by the poor road network and the activities of middlemen. The revival of a number of hitherto collapsed processing plants and industries is well documented but a lot more needs to be done. FORD People will ensure a strong and productive Agricultural sector that will feed the nation, earn substantial foreign exchange for the economy while at the same time giving a fair return to the farmer. To realise the vision above and more, a FORD-People led government will endeavour to implement the following:

▪ Hasten the revival of more agri-based factories, industries, ginneries and encourage new investment in this sector.

▪ Create a regulatory framework on the production cost and availability of seeds and other farm inputs so as to spur growth in this sector

▪ Allocate sufficient resources for Agricultural Research as a means to achieving higher yields leading to food security.

▪ Develop the capacity of farmers to understand and appreciate other stakeholder needs in order to better market their produce.

▪ Encourage processing of agricultural produce to add value for maximum gain.

▪ Build the capacity of development agencies and marketing boards so as to make them effective partners in giving better service to the farmers and consumers.

▪ Continue with programs to rehabilitate arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS) and re-claim areas that experience periodic flooding with a view to making them productive.

▪ Expand the development of a special program for small-scale fisher communities so as to establish capacities leading to more production hence better livelihoods.

▪ Assist small scale farmers to get access to training, credit and markets so as to gain insight on best practices.

▪ Encourage large-scale farming, ensure security of tenure and all basic rights for farm workers.

▪ Increase access to clean and safe water for farming and other uses by strengthening the capacity of the Kenya Water Institute to effectively manage water resources and harvest rain water

▪ Encourage the use of modern farming techniques by reducing /subsidizing the cost of farming implements, agri-chemicals and introduction of drought and disease resistant plants

▪ Encourage the use of organic fertiliser and other farm inputs that do not harm the environment