Nairobi — Kenya is grappling with a soaring demand for cassava, which has surpassed local production levels by a staggering 200%. As a result, the country has resorted to importing cassava from neighboring nations to meet the overwhelming need for this staple food.
Peter Aluoch, the Head of Programmes at Self Help Africa, reveals that last year alone, Kenya’s demand for cassava reached a staggering 3 million metric tonnes (MT). This demand far outstripped local production, which amounted to just 946,076 MT grown across 61,592 hectares.
The increased usage of cassava in animal feeds and starch production for industries has contributed to the spike in demand. This versatile tuber crop is no longer limited to human consumption, making it an essential commodity in various sectors.
Aluoch further highlights that Kenya lags behind other East African countries in cassava production. While Uganda produces 4 million MT annually and Tanzania yields 8 million MT, Kenya’s output remains significantly lower. This disparity can be attributed to various factors, such as the lack of clean planting materials, unstructured markets, weak seed systems, and a deficient regulatory framework.
Cassava cultivation in Kenya is predominantly concentrated in coastal, central, and western regions. Farmers in these areas rely on cassava not only for sustenance but also as a source of income and livestock feed. However, despite its vital role, the current yields fall far below the crop’s agronomic potential.
“The traditional production systems are failing to address household food security and income. In the Coastal region, for example, cassava accounts for 30% of the total national production. In the Eastern region, this figure drops to less than 10%,” Aluoch explained.
In stark contrast, cassava production in the Western region constitutes a substantial 60% of the national total.
The latest data reveals that average cassava farm yields stand at a meager 7-10 MT/ha, significantly lower than the crop’s research yield potential of approximately 50 MT/ha of fresh cassava tubers.
Paul Rono, the Principal Secretary of the State Department Crop Development and Agricultural Research, expressed concern over the country’s soaring food import bill. Despite possessing fertile land and abundant resources, Kenya continues to rely on imports, undermining its food security.
To address this issue, Rono has directed the relevant departments, Kalros and Kephis, to conduct a thorough identification, classification, and communication of all crop varieties within the next three months. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Kenya’s crop portfolio and promote its farmers effectively.
Speaking on the matter, Morag Ferguson, a Crop Germplasm Scientist and Molecular Breeder at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), emphasized the critical role of high-quality cassava seeds in boosting production. She emphasized the need for new high-yielding seed varieties resistant to viruses. A collaborative effort between IITA and Self Help Africa, known as the Cassava Seed Tracker, is currently underway to improve seed traceability and ensure the traceability of mother plants.
The ongoing Conference and Expo, which commenced on Monday, has brought together over 150 exhibitors and more than 1,000 participants. The event aims to address the pressing challenges hindering cassava’s development, such as the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation, debt tightening, and the climate emergency.
Adolfo Cires, the Programme Manager for Finance and Private Sector Development at the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kenya, emphasized the urgent need for adequate funding for research, technology transfer, and the adoption of improved agronomic practices in the cassava industry.
By addressing the existing production shortfalls and investing in innovative solutions, Kenya can enhance its cassava production and meet the surging demand, ensuring food security and strengthening its agricultural sector.
