Analysis of The Impact of Agricultural Policies on Food Security in Kenya

Abstract

Agricultural policies consist of laws and regulations set by the government to control both domestic and foreign agricultural activities and the trade of agricultural and related products. The policies set by the government have both direct and indirect effects on the agricultural sector which affects the food security state. Kenya has been on the frontline in fighting food insecurity but it is far from becoming a food secure country. To help improve the agricultural sector towards fighting food insecurity, there has been an establishment of various key policies over time. Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS), Agriculture Sector Development Strategy (ASDS), Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture (SRA), Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), and Vision 2030 are some of the key policies put in motion to help fight against food insecurity. Despite the effort put in place by government and private organizations, Kenya is still facing a lot of challenges in the agricultural sector such as land pressure due to increasing population, the inadequacy of agricultural research and agricultural extension services, climate change, insufficient stewardship of fishing grounds, pests and diseases, public expenditure, and infrastructure leading to high rate of food insecurity. The study uses secondary data to analyze the effects of various agricultural policies implemented over time on Kenya’s food security. Also, the paper provides key recommendations that can help fight against food insecurity in Kenya.

Keywords

• Kenya
• Agricultural policies
• Food security
• and Trade and consumption

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