Forms of Agriculture in Kenya
1. Subsistence Farming
- Small-scale farming for household consumption, practiced by most rural Kenyans.
- Crops: Maize, beans, sorghum, vegetables
- Livestock: Poultry, goats, cattle
2. Cash Crop Farming
- Commercial farming of crops for export or domestic sale.
- Crops: Tea, coffee, flowers, horticultural produce
- Provides income for farmers and foreign exchange for the country
3. Livestock Farming
- Rearing of animals for food, milk, leather, and income.
- Livestock: Cattle, goats, sheep, camels
- Contributes to meat and milk production, enhancing food security and nutrition
4. Plantation Agriculture
- Large-scale farming of single crops, often owned by companies.
- Crops: Tea, sugar, coffee, sisal, pyrethrum
- Generates substantial exports and employment opportunities
5. Irrigation Farming
- Farming using artificial water sources, such as rivers, dams, or boreholes.
- Crops: Rice, sugarcane, tomatoes, onions
- Increases agricultural productivity and expands farming areas
Contribution to Economic Growth and Food Security
Economic Growth:
- Export earnings: Cash crop farming and plantation agriculture are major sources of foreign exchange, contributing to Kenya's trade balance.
- Employment: Agriculture employs over 70% of the Kenyan workforce, creating jobs in farming, processing, and transportation.
- Value addition: Processing and value-added agriculture generate additional income and create employment opportunities.
Food Security:
- Subsistence farming: Provides food for rural households, reducing vulnerability to food shortages.
- Livestock farming: Provides protein, milk, and other nutrients, improving nutrition.
- Irrigation farming: Increases crop yields, ensuring a reliable supply of food throughout the year.
- Cash crop farming: Generates income for farmers to purchase food or invest in agricultural inputs.
Other Benefits:
- Environmental sustainability: Agriculture contributes to biodiversity conservation, soil fertility, and water management.
- Cultural preservation: Farming practices often reflect traditional customs and values.
- Health: Consuming fresh, locally-produced food promotes healthy diets and reduces malnutrition.