On 2018-11-20, farmers in Uasin Gishu county were reported to be scaling back maize production and moving into silage farming as the local market weakened.
The shift is being driven by falling maize prices, which have dropped to as low as Sh1,200 per bag after a strong harvest and imports from a neighboring country flooded the market. For many growers, that level is not enough to cover production costs.
Instead of relying only on maize, some farmers are now diversifying into fodder production. They say the new line of business is aimed at dairy farmers, who remain the main buyers for silage in the area.
Farmers also pointed to delays by the National Cereals and Produce Board in paying for maize deliveries as another reason they are reducing their dependence on the crop. The payment delays, they said, have made maize farming less attractive compared with other income-generating ventures.
The silage being produced is being tailored to meet the nutrient needs of the dairy market, reflecting a broader adjustment by farmers trying to respond to unstable prices and demand.
