KENYA – Kenya’s macadamia nut industry has gained significant momentum, driven by strategic investments and favorable regulatory changes, as highlighted in the 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
This growth has helped position Kenya as a leading exporter in the region, bringing substantial benefits to farmers.
The AGRA report credits Kenya’s progress in macadamia farming to increased investment in agriculture and the adoption of digital platforms for farm management.
These innovations have improved market access and efficiency for local farmers. AGRA President Agnes Kalibata emphasized the vital role of small businesses in agriculture.
“The private sector, particularly MSMEs, plays an essential role in transforming Africa’s food systems. By collaborating with the private sector, we can drive sustainable agricultural development,” Kalibata remarked.
Digital platforms such as M-Kulima and M-Pesa have also played a major role, enhancing input distribution and financial transactions.
These advancements have enabled farmers to access critical services more easily, contributing to higher productivity and profitability.
Digital tractor leasing services, such as Hello Tractor, have further helped farmers enhance their output through improved mechanization.
Moreover, macadamia farmers in Kenya have benefited from a sharp increase in demand, with prices per kilogram rising to KES 100-130 (USD 0.69-0.90) in early 2024, a major improvement from KES 30 (USD 0.21) per kilogram just a year earlier.
This positive change came after the suspension of section 43 of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) Act, which had previously restricted the export of in-shell macadamia nuts.
The lifting of this restriction opened new markets, especially in China, providing farmers with better opportunities.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the suspension, pointed out the challenges farmers faced under the ban. “The ban left farmers with nothing. Many even uprooted their trees out of frustration,” Murango explained.
The suspension of the AFA Act, enacted in November 2023, allowed for a temporary boost in macadamia exports.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi acknowledged the farmers’ concerns and responded by lifting the ban for 12 months, giving the industry room to recover.
Nut Traders Association of Kenya (Nutak) Chairman Johnson Kihara noted that this decision has breathed new life into the sector, enabling farmers to tap into lucrative international markets.
As the suspension remains in place until November 2024, Kenya’s macadamia industry is set to continue its upward trajectory, fueled by supportive policies and technological advancements.
The combination of regulatory reforms and innovative solutions is paving the way for Kenya to strengthen its foothold in the global macadamia market.
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