How Sustainable Farming Can Enhance Rice Production in Kenya

By Rodney LUBOGA

Kenya’s rice sector is facing the challenge of rising demand that by far outweighs production. Meeting this demand through increased production comes with possible risks to the environment that have to be addressed.

As the country aims to boost production and achieve self-sufficiency through the flagship National Rice Development Strategy (2019–2030), it is equally critical that sectoral sustainability is maintained through a wholesale implementation of sustainable farming.

Sustainable rice farming requires a comprehensive approach that addresses key factors such as soil fertility, crop health, and efficient resource use.

While these elements may seem straightforward, farmers struggle to implement them either due to high costs, limited knowledge, or both. As a result, they often resort to traditional methods including use of manure for soil fertility, and intercropping to control pests that are not always sustainable.

Water management is another critical factor in sustainable rice farming. Rice requires a significant amount of water.

According to the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), rice uses between 30% and 40% of the world’s irrigation water for production.

Smarter irrigation methods can help reduce waste and possible environmental harm. One such method is Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which involves periodically allowing fields to dry before re-irrigating them instead of keeping them continuously flooded. This technique conserves water and significantly lowers methane emissions.

The adoption of high-yielding, drought-resistant, and fast-maturing rice varieties is also key to achieving sustainability. Such varieties enable farmers to produce more rice using fewer resources. An example is the CIL Komboka rice, which offers better resilience and productivity.

Encouraging farmers to adopt these improved varieties will not only enhance food security but also help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Capwell Industries has taken a proactive role in advancing sustainable rice farming by supporting CIL Komboka rice farmers through its contract farming initiative.

Through the initiative, farmers are supplied with quality seeds for planting, they are then supported with crop management until the rice crop reaches maturity. After harvest, Capwell Industries buys the produce at fixed prices thus guaranteeing returns for farmers.

Beyond adopting better farming techniques, sustainable rice farming and production also requires strategic training and capacity-building programs for farmers. Both the government and private institutions should assume a central role in equipping small-scale farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to implement sustainable practices.

Policies that promote research and development, provide incentives for sustainable farming practices, and ensure access to essential resources should continuously be formulated and implemented.

In addition, reviving irrigation schemes, facilitating access to high-quality inputs, and supporting research and development should be adopted across the supply chain.

By adopting the aforementioned sustainable farming methods and fostering an enabling policy environment, Kenya can achieve a balance between increased rice production and environmental conservation.

This will not only secure the country’s food supply but also contribute to economic growth and improved livelihoods for rice farmers across the nation.