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1. INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE IN KENYA
· Importance of agriculture in Kenya
Agriculture is art and science of crop and livestock production.
ü As a science, it involves experimentation and application of scientific knowledge in such areas as;
Ø Soil science,
Ø Control of pests and diseases,
Ø Entomology
Ø Agriculture engineering for example in farm machinery,
Ø Genetics as applied in crop and livestock breeding.
ü As an art, it involves the use of learned skills in;
Ø Tilling the land,
Ø Construction,
Ø Measurement,
Ø Harvesting of crops,
Ø Feeding and handling of livestock
Ø Marketing.
· Role of agriculture in the economy
o Provide food to the nation
o Earn foreign exchange to the country through export of agricultural products
o Provide raw materials to industries e.g. milk
o Form market for industrial products e.g. fertilizers
o Source of capital to the farmer through sale of produce
o Provide direct and indirect employment.
· Problems facing agriculture development in Kenya
ü Climate
· Rainfall
o Most part of the country receives very little rainfall per annum hence not suitable for agriculture. However, this area can be made more productive by embracing modern technology like irrigation which also calls for large capital investment that are lacking.
o Most areas have poor distribution and unreliable rainfall patterns. This calls for highest standard of crop and animal husbandry.
ü Social factors
o Most people have a negative attitude towards agriculture as an occupation.
ü Technology
o Low level of technology decreases inefficiency and increases production costs.