Six case study countries ethiopia, ghana, kenya, rwanda, uganda, and zambia were selected to re. Increasing agricultural productivity remains a central concern of developing countries. Republic of kenya united nations institute for training. Agriculture forms a significant portion of the economies of all african countries, as a sector it can therefore contribute towards major continental priorities, such as eradicating poverty and hun. Most of the people in the world are poor, so if we knew the economics of being poor we would know much of the economics that really matters. Various schemes should be integrated for the betterment of the farmers along with guiding them on the new ways of farming. The sector employs over 40 percent of the total population and over 70 percent of the rural people.
The ministry of agriculture, conscious of the importance of the agriculture sector to the national economy and the livelihood of the kenyan people, has set itself to make the sector vibrant. Agriculture is kenyas largest economic sector, and held its position as a major growth driver in 2015, with ideal weather conditions improving food security and cash crop export earnings. In order for this to be realized, agriculture sector is expected to achieve an accelerated growth. In 2006, almost 75 percent of working kenyans made their living by farming, compared with 80 percent in 1980. The importance of agricultural research h ow are things invented or discovered. Reduction agriculture for poverty economic importance of. Agriculture notes agriculture study notes and revision free. The challenges of agriculture and rural development in. Heinrichbollstiftung east africa horn of africa regional o. Dec 03, 2011 role of agriculture in economic development of kenya agriculture is the art and business of cultivating soil, producing crops and raising livestock. According to a world bank report in 2005, stated that about two thirds of the world population are mainly concentrated in rural areas, which are predominantly agriculture oriented areas. The horticultural industry is a significant contributor to.
This statistic shows the share of economic sectors in the gross domestic product gdp in kenya from 2008 to 2018. No region of the world has developed a diverse, modern economy without first establishing a successful foundation in agriculture. The promulgation of kenyas constitution in 2010 enunciated a plethora of reforms key amongst them being. Agriculture accounts for three quarters of merchandise exports and represents a source of livelihood to about 80 percent of the population. Kenya is a leading producer of tea and coffee, as well as the thirdleading exporter of fresh produce, such as cabbages, onions and mangoes. How climatesmart agriculture can help in countries where the economy is heavily based on agriculture, development of the agricultural sector is the most efficient poverty reduction measure. Adapting supply to changing demand programmes in which substantial parts of the practical agricultural education or training are delivered in real work environments, e. In spite of many commercial options coming up, many rely on agriculture for their income. Agriculture in africa 5 the comprehensive africa agriculture development programme caadp is now in its tenth year. Jul 27, 2000 in rural areas throughout the world, agriculture represents the predominant land use and a major component of the viability of rural areas. Importance, problems, and reform of agricultural research in. Raising supply of food by agricultural sector has, therefore, great importance for economic growth of our country.
Jamhuri ya kenya, is a country in africa with 47 semiautonomous counties governed by elected governors. In rural areas throughout the world, agriculture represents the predominant land use and a major component of the viability of rural areas. Given its importance, the performance of the sector is. It involves tough work but it contributes to food security and health of the nation. In agroecological terms, kenya is a highly diverse country. Agricultural advancement is necessary for improving the supply of raw materials for the agrobased industries especially in our developing country. Share of economic sectors in the gdp in kenya 2018 statista. Conceptual issues the definition of agriculture changes over time.
At 580,367 square kilometres 224,081 sq mi, kenya is the worlds 48th largest country by total area. Pdf the kenyan government ruminates agriculture as a. The role of agriculture in reducing poverty in tanzania. Role of agriculture in economic development of kenya. The sector is dominated by smallholder production on farms of between 0.
The kenya vision 2030 recognizes the significance of agriculture towards its goals that aim at achieving an average gross domestic product growth rate of 10% per year up to the year 2030. Importance, problems, and reform of agricultural research. Before the industrial revolution, agriculture was the primary source of economy. Participatory approaches to the implementation of secondary school agriculture curriculum in kenya between1959 and 2012 dr. Agricultural sector transformation ministry of agriculture. This is equally true in rwanda, where the share of staple crops and livestock in total agricultural output is as high as 90%.
However, even if the incidence of poverty is lower w ithin the population of nonfarm people. The agricultural sector is of great importance to the nile basin countries as it is a major contributor to gdp, employment, and food security. Despite this fact, agriculture in kenya plays a vital role for the countrys economy. There isnt need to improve agricultural extensions for women farmers in kenya. Importance of agricultural sector in a countrys economic. Agricultural policy frameworks in kenya agriculture sector in kenya is the fundamental part of the economy contributing 25 percent of the total gross domestic product gdp, and another 27 percent indirectly. This importance is reflected in the positive correlation between growth in the agricultural sector and that of the national economy in the past in which the economy grows if agriculture grows and vice versa. This is going to be critically true for africa where, today, close to 70% of the population is involved in agriculture as. The agriculture sector continues to play a vital role in the rural economy.
Overview of the agriculture sector in kenya the agriculture sector contributes 51 percent of kenyas gdp 26 percent directly and 25 percent indirectly and accounts for 60 percent of employment and 65 percent of exports world bank, 2018, p. Kenya vision 2030, agriculture sector development strategy, medium term plans, among others. The role of agriculture in african development xinshen diao international food policy research institute, washington, dc, usa peter hazell university of london, uk and james thurlow international food policy research institute, washington, dc, usa summary. Economic importance of agriculture for poverty reduction introduction theodore schultz began his acceptance speech for the 1979 nobel prize in economics observing. The importance of agriculture has been emphasized in kenya through vision 2030, the. The principal barriers to agricultural productivity in kenya are clustered in six areas.
In recent years, kenya has experienced food shortages arising from declining farm productivity owing to low fertility levels, high input costs and unreliable weather in the face of a rising population. Agriculture notes agriculture study notes and revision. Agriculture accounts for three quarters of merchandise exports and represents a source. According to a world bank report in 2005, stated that about two thirds of the world population poor are mainly concentrated in rural areas, which are predominantly agricultureoriented areas. Domestication of plants and animals for agricultural purposes allowed humans to settle in villages. The attractiondetraction effect exists where there is an inverse relationship between changes in nonagriculture and agriculture negative nonagriculture agriculture, i. Agricultural extension service has to be competent in agricultural skills, to communicate efficiently with producers and stimulate them to acquire new knowledge. This certifies that moas 20152019 strategy reflects the intention of the ministry of agriculture to foster the development of the agricultural sector, and is a commitment to develop its capabilities. Yet agricultural expansion for food production and economic development which comes at the expense of soil, water, biodiversity or forests. The challenges of agriculture and rural development in africa.
Role of agriculture in economic development of kenya agriculture is the art and business of cultivating soil, producing crops and raising livestock. Agricultural extension activity is important agrarianpolitical instrument of the state which stimulates the development of agricultural production. The importance of agriculture in the overall development of national economy has been spelt out in various government development policies such as. The sector was one of the first to fully devolve the function of service provision to the county governments underscoring the importance of county governments role in ensuring food security. Presently in kenya, urban and periurban agriculture plays an important role in urban food system, because it enhances livelihood strategies for urban households, not least the poor.
Despite economic uncertainty, the sector has been one of the most resilient in kenya, with ongoing efforts to improve irrigation and bolster foreign investment, even as stakeholders continue to grapple. This is because it is a major factor determining the level of income of the farming sector, in meeting the food requirements of continually expanding populations, in generating foreign exchange to finance domestic programmes, amongst others. Ochiengkonyango1, benard odero asienyo2 1 department of agricultural education and extension, egerton university, p. Importance of agriculture kenya have a food secure and an impressive economic growth as dictated by the world bank 2008. Agriculture is an important source of livelihood in most parts of the world. According to the trading economics statistics, only 8% of kenyan lands are under cultivation. Pdf economic importance of agriculture for poverty reduction. More often, however, discoveries are made through wellthoughtout research that can involve years of work. Importance of agriculture and farming essay and speech. Postprimary agricultural education and training in subsaharan africa. Despite contrasting opinions on the relative importance of agriculture and industry in generating overall growth, there.
Pdf is agriculture still the backbone of kenyas economy. Farming and related activities make up the basic fabric of rural life, contributing significantly to the overall state of rural regions in terms of employment and business opportunities, infrastructure and quality of the environment. The role of agricultural education in improving the. Senior civil servants often equate agricultural education with the creation of a small elite of advanced, exportoriented medium to largescale farmers. Agriculture plays an important role in the kenyan economy. Agricultural research has an important role to play in meeting. In kenyas economy, extension services play an important role in the. Agriculture is the cultivation of plants and husbandry of animals, that is, the management of living things and ecosystems to produce goods and services for the people. Local economies agriculture is a substantial contributor to local economies. Jan 08, 2020 this statistic shows the share of economic sectors in the gross domestic product gdp in kenya from 2008 to 2018. This article is an analysis of the characteristics of urban agriculture in kenya set within a wider conceptual and socioeconomic context and is based on a recent survey by the mazingira institute. Kenyan population live in the rural areas and derive their livelihoods, directly or indirectly from agriculture. Agricultural extension also known as agricultural advisory services plays a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity, increasing food security, improving rural livelihoods, and promoting agriculture as an engine of propoor economic growth.
From the beginning of crop husbandry to our time, seeds have been the key ingredient in. According to a world bank report in 2005, stated that about two thirds of the world population are mainly concentrated in rural areas, which are predominantly agricultureoriented areas. As societies have developed, agriculture has remained important on the local, state, national, and international levels. Agriculture is key to kenyas economy, contributing 26 per cent of the gross. Despite the enormous potential of the rice subsector in enhancing food security and livelihoods for the majority of urban and rural poor in kenya, it has not. Therefore, there is a need to include agriculture in the school curriculum from primary school level and that teachers need to instill a positive perception towards agriculture by explaining to their students the many aspects of agriculture. The importance of the sector in the economy is reflected in the. The importance of agriculture has been highlighted in kenya through vision 2030 and. From the beginning of crop husbandry to our time, seeds have been the key ingredient in the. Devolved framework for agriculture is anchored in part 2 of the fourth schedule, providing. Aug 05, 2012 the attractiondetraction effect exists where there is an inverse relationship between changes in non agriculture and agriculture negative non agriculture agriculture, i. Kenyas rural economy the rural economy comprise agriculture as the key enterprise engaging more than 75 per cent of kenyas total population, and five other enterprises including the traditional economy, ownership of rural dwellings, fishing, forestry, and mining and quarrying. According to a world bank report in 2005, stated that about two thirds of the world population poor are mainly concentrated in rural areas, which are predominantly agriculture oriented areas. Moreover, only 20% of kenyan lands are arable, as most of them are either arid or semiarid.
Only about 20% of its land is classed as mediumhigh potential, and this supports high. Policy options to support the agriculture sector growth and. Republic of kenya food and agriculture organization. Agriculture is also the largest waterconsuming sector. The importance of agriculture has been emphasized in kenya through vision 2030, the medium term plan iii, and most recently the presidents big four priority agenda for 20172022, which emphasizes the importance of 100% food and nutrition security for all kenyans. Extension provides a critical support service for rural producers meeting the new challenges. The importance of seeds in agriculture crop agriculture began more than 10,000 years ago on the flood plains of the great rivers of north africa and the mideast with mans discovery of the propagative function of seed. About onehalf of kenyas total agricultural output is nonmarketed subsistence.
Farming is the most important economic sector in kenya, although less than 8 percent of the land is used for crop and feed production, and less than 20 percent is suitable for cultivation. What is the importance of agriculture for our country. In 2018, the share of agriculture in kenya s gross domestic product was 34. Services which include energy generation, transport, whole sale trade and related acrtivities contribute 62 % of the kenya domestic product. Agricultural knowledge and information systems in kenya. Kenya at a glance fao in kenya food and agriculture. Further, poor aet project performance is often attributable to inadequate understanding of the needs and. The agricultural sector development strategy of 2010 provides a framework for progressive agricultural growth and development in the next 10 years. The share of staples and livestock is lower in the other case study countries, but is still 70% of total agricultural out put in ghana, 54% in uganda and kenya, and 65% in zam bia. Irrigation agriculture in kenya impact of the economic stimulus programme and longterm prospects for food security in an era of climate change nairobi march 2011.