Increasing Kenya's Agricultural Competitiveness: Farm Level Issues

Abstract

Introduction: The agricultural sector like the rest of the economy continues to perform poorly. From a high rate of 4.8% in 1994, growth in the sector has declined year-by-year to reach its lowest level of – 2.3% in year 2000. Similarly, the performance of key food commodities has also been poor over the same time. Between 1994 and 2000, maize and wheat production declined by 24 and 60% respectively (Republic of Kenya 2001) production of other food commodities like rice milk and sugar has also declined. Export commodities have also not been spared. Coffee production has declined by more than 50% in the last 10 years. Equally other crops such as sugar cane and pyrethrum have recorded dismal performance in production.