The effects of climate change are felt across Africa, leading to increased drought, hunger, and malnutrition. Due to this, African governments and non-government organizations are rushing to innovate policies to improve food production.
In our last article, we examined how an increase in electricity costs will affect farmers and agriculture in general. We saw that an increase in electricity costs would increase the cost of production and push many farmers out of business.
As African governments reduce incentives for fertilizers, the government must consider other variables for the nation to be food secure.
In Kenya, a food-insecure nation with over 30% of its land being arid, the following variables must be addressed for food security.
Water for irrigation
Desertification is increasing due to climate change. Unreliable rainfall has led to the drying up of most rivers and wells. Rain-fed crops are drying prematurely, leaving farmers with no food and losses. Water is a key component for any farm’s success.
Though government measures are in place to construct dams, these activities should be intensified through financing communities with boreholes as dams dry. This will help Farmers with reliable water for irrigation year-round. Drip irrigation technology can help farmers use water efficiently.
However, its high installation cost is a limiting factor. The government should, as it subsidizes other variables, consider tax exemptions on drip irrigation equipment to lower its costs.
Costs of seeds and fertilizers
Most Kenyan seeds attract value-added tax VAT, making them more expensive than Uganda and Tanzania. Exempting tax on crop seeds will help farmers afford hybrid seeds with good yield potential.
Hybrid seeds also have a low cost of disease management, as they are highly resistant to diseases. This will help Kenyan farm products compete with those from neighbouring countries domestically and internationally.
Electricity and fuel
Electricity and fuel are the main energy sources for running machines in agro-processing and distribution. An increase in electricity and fuel costs increases the cost of processing and distribution, which lowers the returns that producers (farmers) of raw materials get.
The government should ensure the cost of electricity is minimal, affordable, and sustainable, especially in farmlands and agro-industries. This will lower the cost of production and make it sustainable.
Agricultural Markets
The agricultural market is volatile and prone to micro and macroeconomic changes. The lack of controls on food imports has led to local markets flooding with imports such as onion, tomatoes, eggs and milk.
Though it may be hard for Kenya to eliminate these imports, a mechanism is required to maintain balance. In times of deficit, the aim should be to import only as needed. In times of surplus, the imports should be minimal. This will ensure price sustainability in the market.
Addressing one of these variables alone is not enough, as they are interdependent. All of them should be addressed together if Kenya needs to be food secure. This will also motivate more farmers to get into farming, increasing annual production.
What next?
Though these variables cannot shield agriculture from all risks, addressing them minimises the effect. But with the expected economic slowdown, what crops will be affected and how? Find out in our next article.
What other variable do you think the government should address?
