KENYA – Hundreds of rice farmers in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, have agreed to join a cooperative society to address longstanding issues of exploitation and ensure better returns for farmers.

During a meeting with county government officials in Taveta on July 24, farmers emphasized the need to eliminate brokers who buy their grain at low prices.

The rice cooperative will be crucial in standardizing prices and negotiating better terms for farmers. By partnering with the Taita Taveta Investment and Development Corporation (TTIDC), the cooperative aims to protect farmers from unscrupulous lenders and ensure fair prices.

Rice farmer Hamza Idd highlighted that many rice farmers are forced to sell their produce at low prices to repay debts from local lenders.

It is sad that brokers are taking advantage of our disunity to exploit us. Brokers from Tanzania buy our unpolished grain for as low as KES30 per kilo,” another farmer lamented.

He said their rice is processed and brought back to the market at an exorbitant price.

Kilonzo said that in addition to the low buying prices, some of the brokers also take the unprocessed rice at a debt, thus fuelling poverty among farmers.

The farmers have also agreed to partner with the Taita Taveta Investment and Development Corporation (TTIDC) for standardized pricing.

The new cooperative and its partnership with TTIDC will shield farmers from such exploitation. TTIDC plans to buy unpolished rice from farmers immediately after harvest, ensuring better price control and reducing post-harvest losses.

Agriculture executive Erickson Kyongo noted that the rice cooperative society will streamline marketing and pricing, offering better returns for farmers. The cooperative will also produce byproducts such as rice bran and rice husk, which can be used for animal feed and fuel, thus boosting farmers’ income.

 Rice Milling Plant Nearing Completion

The move comes as the proposed KES40 million rice factory in the area is nearing completion. It is expected to significantly relieve farmers selling unpolished rice to brokers.

The factory will help farmers produce high-quality rice that meets consumer standards and preferences.

Kyongo emphasized the importance of consistently assisting and protecting farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and eliminate predatory cartels.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, an estimated 10-15 percent of rice is lost to post-harvest operations in developing countries due to poor handling, storage, transportation, pests, diseases, and weather.

According to Kyongo, the National Irrigation Authority will undertake the draining of excess water at the waterlogged Buruma rice fields, which is the largest rice-growing area in Taveta, spanning 18,000 acres. The county aims to achieve at least 30,000 acres of rice production annually by reclaiming the land.

Trade executive Getrude Shuwe affirmed that TTIDC’s intervention would help the county reclaim lost revenue and support farmers suffering from exploitation by middlemen.

She reiterated the department’s commitment to establishing a strong cooperative that benefits all members, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for rice farmers in Taita Taveta county.

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