This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
With the Covid-19 pandemic spreading rapidly across the globe, one thing is clear: food production is more crucial than ever. In Kenya, the virus has struck at the worst possible time, coinciding with the planting season for smallholder crop farmers.
These farmers, who produce the country's staples, are already battling resilient swarms of desert locusts that have ravaged parts of the country. The government's response to the pandemic, including restrictions on movement and gatherings, has further complicated their situation.
As the authorities implement these measures, small-scale farmers in rural Kenya are at risk of reduced access to markets, both to buy inputs and sell produce. Some may even abandon their farms due to anxiety and panic, leading to depressed harvests and food shortages in the coming months.
However, there are ways to mitigate this situation. By providing cheap loans to farmers and waiving tax on production or importation of farm inputs, such as high-quality seeds and fertiliser, the government and other stakeholders can support ease of access to these essential resources.
After the pandemic was declared, supply chains around the world slowed down. If the situation worsens, countries that deplete their food reserves may struggle to buy food from other nations. Sustaining food production must, therefore, be at the heart of Kenya's preparedness and response to the pandemic.
Fortunately, the government has taken some positive steps. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has called upon farmers to continue producing food, while the government has designated food transporters as essential service providers.
While this is a commendable start, more needs to be done to support Kenya's smallholder farmers. The president has vowed to use all means at his disposal to fight the pandemic, and it is hoped that he will intervene to rescue the 4.5 million smallholder farmers, including 3.5 million crop growers, who are on the frontlines of this war.
