Kenya: Wheat Farmers Switch to Maize as Value of the Grain Dips

The article highlights the dynamics of Kenya's agricultural sector in 2023, as reported by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). It notes a decline in wheat cultivation and production due to farmers' preference for maize, leading to a decrease in wheat's value and a rise in queue bird problems. Conversely, maize production surged with increased pricing and favorable weather conditions, dominating the grain market. Additionally, rice and sorghum production saw improvements, whereas Irish potato production increased slightly. Beans production faced challenges due to weather conditions, with most being imported from Uganda and Tanzania. The article also promotes a free demo access to AgriSupp, an online platform offering market intelligence for grains and oilseeds by UkrAgroConsult.

The area under cultivation of wheat in Kenya has been falling since 2019 as farmers shift to maize farming, according to data from the KNBS. “Consequently, the value of wheat decreased from KSh 14.7 billion in 2022 to KSh 12.3 billion in 2023. Wheat production also declined from 368.7 thousand tonnes in 2022 to 309.5 thousand tonnes in 2023 which was partly due to increased Quelea Quelea bird’s menace, especially in Narok,” KNBS reported. Maize production increased by 38.8%. In 2023, it recorded 4.29 million tonnes up from 3.09 million tonnes in 2022. This was largely because of the favourable prices maize fetched that year, incentivizing farmers to dedicate more acreage for the crop. Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties produced the bulk of the nation’s maize produce in 2023, at 476,538 tonnes and 448,011 tonnes respectively. “This increase in production was attributed to several factors, which include the government’s subsidy of fertilizers, favorable weather conditions such as ...