Find Agriculture expertise in Kenya

Industry

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries together contribute 25% of Kenya's GDP (2010). More than two-thirds of the population work in agriculture, supported by the growing demand for agricultural produce in urban areas. However, many small-scale farmers struggle to earn enough to support their families through trade in local markets. With agricultural land accounting for 48.1% of total land area in 2009, about one half of agricultural output is non-marketed subsistence production. Farming is largely carried out by small producers, usually cultivating no more than two hectares, operated by around three million farming families. Although there are still large coffee, tea and sisal plantations, increasingly cash crops are grown by small-scale farmers.

Agricultural produce includes horticultural products, tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Most of the corn, potatoes, bananas, beans and peas are grown in small farms. Horticultural products and tea are the main exports. Around 1,000 tonnes of fresh produce worth US$3 million is exported every day, whilst the country is the third largest exporter of tea in the world (2010). In 2010 tea exports generated US$417,661,000. The country also has a thriving informal milk sector, supported by 800,000 small-scale farmers and 350,000 milk vendors. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for agriculture; the Horticultural Crops Development Authority and the Tea Board of Kenya are key public agencies.

Agriculture organisations in Kenya
AAA Growers Ltd
African Seed Trade Association
Agricultural Information Centre
Athi Harvest Ltd
Eastern & Southern Africa Dairy Association
Honey Care Africa
Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA)
International Livestock Research Institute
Kenya Flower Council
Kenya Malting Ltd
Kenya Seed Co.
Kenya Tea Development Agency Ltd
Magana Flowers Kenya Ltd
Ministry of Agriculture
Mosi Ltd
Mount Elgon Orchards Ltd
Rea Vipingo Ltd
Sasini Tea & Coffee Ltd
Tea Board of Kenya
Zuurbier & Co.
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