Kenya could heavily depend on food imports from 2020 if proper measures are not implemented to feed the increasing population says a report by the Kenya Business Guide.
The report predicts that Kenya could be in trouble unless post-harvest losses are greatly reduced and the land under food crops is increased.
According to the report, if the country could decrease post-harvest losses from the existing 20 per cent to 15 per cent as projected in 2018’s budget, over 2.5 million metric tonnes of food could be added to Kenya’s food basket.
The Barriers
The report shows that various barriers such as rapid population growth, adverse climate effects, the conversion of agricultural land to other uses, the use of conventional farming methods are keeping the country from becoming food secure.
Currently, the country is importing rice, fruits, maize, grains, and wheat, a list that is likely to expand if nothing is done.
The government is currently making efforts to make the country more food secure than it is already through the Big Four agenda.
The report also shows primary schools in Kenya score highly in enrolment and completion while secondary schools have poor completion rates. Additionally, the report observes that poor governance and corruption are preventing better human development outcome and inclusive economic growth.
The report notes that the cost of electricity might not decline through the construction of the Lamu coals plant because it will rely on coal imports from South Africa thereby increasing energy imports.
