Slow growth of agriculture imperils Vision 2030, say experts

• The sector recorded slow growth of 1.5 per cent last year after sending a positive signal of recovery the previous year when it grew by 6.4 per cent.
• Low productivity, lack of financing, and climate change are among top challenges to be addressed urgently to boost the sector’s contribution to the economy.
• In Kenya, small-scale farmers contribute more than 60 per cent of agricultural production but they lack access to finance, storage facilities, transport infrastructure, and inputs.
• Government officials say that devolution of agricultural institutions to counties would transform the sector after the formation of county agricultural boards to coordinate grassroots activities, including revival of cooperative societies.

A shift to index-based weather insurance that the firm has been pursuing, he said, would eliminate need for physical inspection.