This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Published on August 6, 2020, a letter to the editor highlighted the great market potential for agricultural products in Kenya and across Africa. However, the lack of information, resources, and training on how to tap into these opportunities remains a critical challenge.
Kenya is a top exporter of cashew nuts, not only in Africa but globally. Yet, the produce is exported raw, and if processed, it could earn more. In Kilifi, one of the top producers of the nuts, high unemployment and poverty levels persist, which can be alleviated by investing in the crop.
The European Union has invested Sh236 million in the crop, aiming to revive the sector. However, this is not enough. The government, in partnership with county governments, should establish manufacturing or innovation hubs and industries to enable locals to add value to the produce.
Value addition can be achieved by roasting the nuts, flavouring them, or making cashew nut butters, blends, snacks, and other products. Women and youths can be taught these skills at innovation hubs, and with good marketing skills, they can sell locally and export to other African countries, leveraging existing trade opportunities.
The same applies to coconut. The recent discovery that coconut milk on supermarket shelves is from Asia highlights the need to utilize idle land at the Coast. Value-added coconut products can be a significant foreign exchange earner for the country.
According to the World Bank and Africa Development Bank, Africa imports food worth $35 billion, with most of it being producible locally. Africa's potential as the food basket of the world is evident in continental export statistics.
Agriculture is the backbone of most African countries and should remain so in the coming years for the benefit of our economies.
— Linda Chepkwony, Nairobi
