This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Kenya's reliance on imported edible oils is a paradox, given its vast and suitable agro-ecologies for sunflower production. According to available data, the country imports over 80% of its edible oils, despite having the potential to produce high-quality sunflower oil locally.
With the right conditions, sunflower seed is a valuable crop that can be grown in regions receiving 500-750mm of rainfall and moderately fertile soils. The crop takes three to four months to mature, after which its seeds are harvested and pressed to obtain sunflower oil.
Regions such as Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Meru, and parts of North Rift and the Coast are well-suited for sunflower production. However, despite the availability of improved and hybrid sunflower seed varieties with high oil content and high-yield per acre, expanded sunflower production acreage remains a challenge.
Research efforts by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation and Kenya Seed Company have led to the development of high-performing sunflower varieties, including H008, H893, H8938, Kenya Fedha, Kenya Shaba, and Rekord. However, farmers are unwilling to expand sunflower production due to the lack of an immediate market for harvested seeds.
Providing extraction machines within production areas can spur increased production. Farmers can be supported through grants or loans to purchase and install small or medium-scale sunflower oil extraction machines. This would enable them to extract oil from their harvested seeds for home use or pack and sell the excess, improving household incomes.
Furthermore, micro and small-scale sunflower oil seed producers can form clusters, invest in common facilities, and take joint marketing actions to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of their business. This would create employment opportunities for skilled youths and increase the competitiveness of sunflower oil products.
The by-product of sunflower oil extraction, sunflower seedcake or meal, is a valuable feed supplement rich in protein and crude fibre. It can be used as an excellent feed for dairy cattle, chickens, pigs, and rabbits, particularly in situations where pasture becomes inadequate.
Additionally, sunflower is insect-pollinated and attracts honeybees, providing an opportunity for farmers to establish apiaries for honey production. Increased bee population due to the abundance of sunflowers will also enhance biodiversity.
Conclusively, expanded sunflower production would lead to a more devolved sunflower oil subsector, improving the livelihoods and welfare of relatively poor rural farming households in Kenya.
