Agriculture is the major boost to Kenya’s economy, making up 25 percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture in Kenya mainly involves crop farming, livestock keeping, and fishing. Sustainable agriculture practices in Kenya have improved crop production because they emphasize on use of environment-friendly chemicals. They include the following:
1. Organic Farming.
Organic farming involves the use of non-toxic chemicals in pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers. This enhances soil health thus resulting in high yields.
2. Conservation tillage.
These are practices that involve soil conservation to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and enhance water retention.
3. Crop rotation.
Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops on the same farm in a growing season. This helps in preventing the plants from soil-borne diseases.
4. Agroforestry.
Agroforestry is the planting of trees for water retention, prevent soil erosion, and provide shade for plants.
5. Water Management.
This involves efficient use of water to prevent wastage. Water management also improves crop yields and protects water catchment areas. The Kenyan Government is working effortlessly to achieve food security in the country. Climate change and poverty are the main challenges facing Kenya in terms of food security.
Climate change for instance in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) has affected largely the production of crops because of the very high temperatures and unreliable rainfall experienced in the regions which cannot sustain the growing of plants for food.
Poverty is also a challenge to food security whereby regions with sufficient rainfall and sunlight are unable to practice agriculture due to a lack of resources such as adequate land, materials, and products for farming.
The government of Kenya has come up with measures to curb food insecurity in the country. Firstly, the government supports efforts to increase agricultural productivity through the use of technology and secondly, it supports the purchase and storage of strategic Grain Reserves.
Several Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs) have launched programs in Kenya to donate food and basic commodities to areas with food and water shortages.
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