Herdithy: Food security, arid and semi-arid areas #2

Happy New month!

Kenya covers an area of approximately 580,367 square kilometers. If you happen to be a wanderlust, you will agree that this country is quite a spectacle. The physical features, people, and culture are just but a few things that stand out. Though, an estimated two million people are currently facing food shortage and relying on relief. How so?  According to Vision 2030, it aims at transforming Kenya into “a newly industrializing, middle income country providing a high quality life to all its citizens in a clean and secure environment.” Today, we want to see how close we are to cross this bridge in nine years. Let us talk about food security and the utilization of arid and semi-arid areas in the country.

Counties such as Isiolo, Mandera, Kilifi, Tana River, Samburu, Makueni, Laikipia are among the counties that are on the brink of falling into a humanitarian crisis. Not only are these arid and semi-arid areas seasonal and often influenced by climatic factors, they are also prone to repeated draughts, failed rainfall and desert locust swarms that have largely contributed to the food insecurity in these areas. Thirty percent of Kenya`s population resides in these areas; they mainly sustain themselves through the principle of mixed pastoralism and small-scale agriculture.

Imagine a place where temperatures are at an all-time high throughout the year, due to the high rates of transpiration. We cannot help that. There are no beach vibes there because the soil has been given thorough character development with the sun; deforestation has extended to interrupt the eco-system at large.

In less than twenty years, the current food insecurity problems can be attributed to the frequent draught in most parts of the country, high cost of domestic food production and displacement of farmers  in high potential agricultural areas following the post-election violence in 2008. The government has tried to curb the crisis through policy intervention: supply, price and income related policies. Some counties have the highest rates of children living with malnutrition. While kids at the capital enjoy Krackles and Cerelac, electricity and an education, a child living in Loiyangalani is in a completely different world due to the uneven distribution of resources.

The maize sub sector is a key staple in the country. Be it the nice homemade ugali or hot porridge you took back in high school, we are mass consumers of maize. But here is the thing. Somewhere in Northern Kenya, cows are being stolen by bandits – yet, we have never had a meat- shortage in like forever. Still with me? Good. Such kind of chaos creates a means of livelihood that does more harm than good to the economic and social scopes of agriculture.

With all these factors that look irreversible, how can we harness the potential into positive results? You know, something like the Dubai- desert- story; our country would surpass our freedom fighters’ wildest dreams. Staying attractive in the eyes of potential investors from across the globe will be an improvement of the quality of life for many. There are tables that make decisions that steer our country: Accountability is wanting, at this dire time when the population is rapidly growing and the potential quantifiable. Conversations on the youth engagement into sectors such as Energy, Mining, Forestry just to name a few must be initiated and integrated. A country with untapped potential in renewable energy and fossil fuels has a lot to offer its young workforce.

Now, seriously.

When was the last time you planted a tree? Your contribution as a citizen extends deeply into social responsibility. Plug in into spaces that advocate for environmental conservation. Visit the parks or the orphanage; learn something. Contribute positively to the society and those around you.


Stay safe.



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