Kenyan farmers call for review of macadamia export laws

KENYA – Macadamia farmers in Kenya are urging authorities to reconsider the existing laws governing the export of raw nuts and oil crops.

During a recent meeting aimed at gathering input on these regulations, farmers expressed their frustration with the current law that grants the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary extensive control over the export market.

The farmers, numbering over 1,200, assert that the current legislation hampers their ability to compete fairly in the global market.

They propose that the government implements stricter laws governing the raw macadamia export trade and establishes a price control board to regulate the industry effectively.

Peter Mwabili, chairman of the Taita Taveta Macadamia Cooperative Society, voiced the farmers’ concerns. “The Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) and Crops Act, 2013, should be reviewed to address the concerns of farmers,” he stated.

Mwabili emphasized that certain provisions within the current Act contain loopholes that the Cabinet Secretary exploits, which ultimately harms local farmers.

The AFA Act prohibits the export of raw macadamia and cashews without the explicit written permission of the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary.

Additionally, the Act mandates that export consignments undergo physical verification and inspection before clearance. “We are calling for the review of the Acts because they do not specify the quantity of the crop the CS can approve for export,” Mwabili explained.

He insisted that the amendment of these regulations is crucial for the benefit of both farmers and the country.

Farmers also raised concerns about the exploitation they face from middlemen. Mwabili revealed that brokers purchase unprocessed macadamia at prices as low as KES 30 (USD 0.23) per kilogram, only to sell it for Sh3,600 (USD 27.90), reaping enormous profits at the farmers’ expense.

“Local farmers have been experiencing massive exploitation from brokers who have persistently bought the farm produce cheaply and sold it exorbitantly to enrich themselves,” he lamented.

Samson Malasi, another farmer, pointed out the ongoing challenges posed by a lack of market opportunities and poor pricing, which forces farmers to endure continuous exploitation. He emphasized the urgent need for a fair pricing system and better market access.

Despite the current challenges, plans are underway to enhance agricultural production and food security in the region. Ahmed, an agricultural official, announced that initiatives to revive the horticultural production center in Wundanyi town will help create jobs and improve local farming practices.

“The fruit tree seedlings will also help improve the dilapidated forest cover, which now stands at less than four percent,” he stated.

The 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) highlights Kenya’s growing macadamia export industry, showcasing the positive impact of strategic investments and regulatory changes.

AGRA President Agnes Kalibata praised the crucial role of small businesses in this transformation, stating, “By collaborating with the private sector, we can drive sustainable agricultural development.”

Digital platforms such as M-Kulima and M-Pesa have significantly improved market access for farmers, contributing to higher productivity and profitability.

As macadamia prices rise, reaching KES 100-130 (USD 0.78 – 1.01) per kilogram in early 2024 from KES 30 (USD 0.23) just a year earlier, local farmers remain hopeful for a more equitable market landscape.

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