Nakuru: The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), in collaboration with the County Government of Nakuru, has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting the cultivation of oil crops. This effort is designed to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported edible oils and to lower cooking oil prices in the country. The initiative includes the delivery of 5,000 kilograms of canola oil seeds, which will be distributed to 600 farmers to cultivate on 1,250 acres during the current rainy season.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Mr. Leonard Bor, stated that the AFA, through its Crop and Nuts Directorate, is also advocating for the adoption of canola as a beneficial rotational crop. This practice is particularly advantageous for cereal farmers as it improves soil health, suppresses pests and weeds, and increases yields of subsequent crops like wheat and barley. Mr. Bor highlighted the fact that Kenya is a net importer of vegetable oils, despite having the capacity to grow oil seeds such as sunflower, simsim, soya beans, rapeseed, coconut, castor, and groundnuts locally.
Data from the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate under AFA reveals that Kenya only produces 34% of its edible oils and fats requirements, with the majority of the deficit imported from Southeast Asian countries. During an event to launch the distribution of canola oil seeds to farmers across 11 sub-counties, Mr. Bor encouraged smallholder growers to engage in oil crop cultivation, emphasizing the guaranteed demand in both local and international markets.
In July 2023, the National Government introduced the Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project (EOCPP), a five-year initiative valued at Sh981 million, aimed at promoting domestic production of edible oil crops. Co-funded by the National Treasury and AFA, the project seeks to reduce oil crop import bills by over 30% within the next five years and includes crops like sunflower, canola, soybean, and coconut.
Mr. Bor assured that the partnership between AFA and the County Government will also support smallholder farmers in canola oil seed value addition. He noted that Kenya currently produces less than 50% of its edible oil needs, with import expenses for edible oils amounting to at least Sh160 billion annually. The local government, under Governor Susan Kihika’s administration, is working on projects to enhance local oil crop production and address edible oil costs.
Agriculture Chief Officer Newton Mwaura urged farmers to seek guidance from extension officers to improve agronomic practices and enhance productivity. He mentioned that farmers can process canola and sunflower seeds into cooking oil at the household level and assured that the County Government is committed to providing quality oil crop seeds and improving agricultural extension services.
Mwaura highlighted the potential of the oil crop industry to create over 200,000 jobs in Nakuru through cottage industries and livestock feed production. The County Government has previously supported oil crop farming by distributing certified planting materials, subsidizing fertilizers, and providing market linkages.
AFA noted that the demand for edible oils in Kenya continues to rise, with an annual consumption of 900 metric tonnes, of which only six percent is sourced locally. Canola, known for its nutritious oil, is beneficial due to its omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, which can prevent various health issues. Additionally, canola cakes are nutritious for animals, and the plant’s deep roots enhance soil nutrient availability for other crops.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organisation (KALRO) has developed 14 varieties of canola, capable of growing in both high-altitude and drought-tolerant areas. Sunflowers, another oil crop, thrive in regions with sparse rainfall and slightly acidic soil, with hybrid varieties offering higher oil content and yields.
The Chief Officer noted that sunflower by-products have a ready market in the animal feed industry, and value addition could increase farmers’ profits compared to selling raw seeds.
