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Why revival of cereal sector requires research
Booker Ochieng', the research director at the Kenya Small Scale Cereal Growers Association.
What you need to know:
- Farmers who adopt resilient production systems protect both their harvests and their incomes.
- Cereals form the foundation of national food systems – staple foods, livestock feed production and industrial processing.
From the farm to the marketplace, every link in the cereal value chain shapes farmers’ incomes and the nation's food security. However, uneven productivity, fragmented markets and policy inconsistencies continue to limit the sector's full potential. In this conversation ‘Seeds of Gold’, Booker Ochieng’, Research Director at the Kenya Small Scale Cereal Growers Association, examines why evidence should carry greater weight than convention, where cereal value chain continues to forfeit value, and what it will take to expand economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.
For many years, production has dominated agricultural debate. Is Kenya asking the wrong questions about food security?
Food security cannot be measured solely by the volume of grain harvested. We should also ask whether farmers can produce profitably, whether markets operate efficiently, whether consumers can access nutritious food and whether value chains can withstand disruptions. More over more questions should arise on how far are we doing on the right to food under article 43(1)(c) of the 2010 Constitution — every person has the explicit right to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality. Production is only one component while agri-food system is a much larger economic matrix.
Research often remains on library shelves. How do you ensure evidence influences real decisions?
Research only becomes valuable when it informs action. Our work is to bridge the gap between scientific findings and practical implementation by engaging policymakers, farmer organisations, county governments and development partners throughout the research process. Research dissemination for adoption is key and reintroduction of supply driven extension services could bring the change needed. Evidence should shape investments, not simply document problems.
If you were given one opportunity to redesign Kenya's cereal value chain, where would you begin?
I would begin by establishing better coordination across the value chain rather than focusing on isolated projects. Farmers, processors, traders, financial institutions, and policymakers often operate independently despite being interdependent. The Kibaki administration established the Agricultural Sector Coordination Unit (ASCU), which played an important role in coordinating the sector, but it was later disbanded. A coordinated value chain would reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, and create greater confidence for investment.
Agriculture is increasingly influenced by economics rather than agronomy alone. How important is market intelligence today?
It has become indispensable. Farmers no longer compete only against weather conditions, they also compete within changing markets. Reliable market intelligence enables producers to understand consumer demand, anticipate price movements and make better production decisions. Information has become a productive asset and its timely access makes a whole difference in agri-food systems
Smallholder farmers are frequently described as vulnerable. Is it time to recast the conversation around competitiveness rather than vulnerability?
Absolutely. Smallholders possess enormous productive potential, but they require systems that allow them to compete fairly. Competitiveness comes from efficient production, reliable markets, affordable finance, quality infrastructure and supportive institutions and policies. When these conditions exist, small-scale farmers become successful entrepreneurs rather than vulnerable beneficiaries.
What misconception about cereal farming concerns you the most?
There is a perception that cereal farming is a low-value activity. In reality, cereals form the foundation of national food systems – staple foods, livestock feed production and industrial processing. The challenge is not the commodity itself but the inefficiencies surrounding production, aggregation, storage, distribution and marketing.
Climate discussions often focus on adaptation. Is resilience becoming an economic issue rather than simply an environmental one?
Very much so. Climate resilience is now an investment strategy. Farmers who adopt resilient production systems protect both their harvests and their incomes. Likewise, governments that invest in resilient agricultural systems reduce future economic shocks associated with food shortages and market instability.
How should Kenya balance food imports with domestic cereal production?
Imports have a legitimate role in stabilising supply during shortages, but they should complement — not discourage — local production. Sustainable food security depends on creating conditions in which domestic farmers remain productive, competitive, and profitable, while strategic imports fill temporary gaps. The National Cereals and Produce Board should be empowered to procure diverse cereals during bumper harvest, store and distribute during lean seasons to protect our foreign reserves
Many development programmes end when donor funding expires. What makes agricultural transformation sustainable?
Sustainability comes from building institutions rather than projects. When farmers strengthen their organisations, counties improve extension services, markets function efficiently, and policies remain consistent, progress continues long after external funding concludes.
What role should research play in shaping agricultural policy?
Research should provide objective evidence that helps policymakers evaluate options before decisions are made. Effective policy is rarely based on opinion; it is strengthened by credible analysis, continuous monitoring and measurable outcomes.
How important are farmer organisations in modern agricultural development?
They are increasingly important because they enable collective action. Organised farmers negotiate better prices, access larger markets, reduce transaction costs, access better credits and participate more effectively in policy discussions and implementations. Strong farmer institutions also improve the adoption of innovations and strengthen rural economies.
Where do you see the greatest untapped opportunity within Kenya's cereal sector?
The greatest opportunity lies across the cereal value chain, from production to beyond the farm gate. Improved production practices, storage, processing, logistics, packaging, and value addition can significantly increase incomes without necessarily expanding cultivated land. Addressing post-harvest losses alone can improve the country’s food security by more than 30 per cent, while creating opportunities for enterprise development and employment.
Agriculture generates enormous amounts of information. Are we using data effectively?
Not yet. We collect substantial amounts of agricultural data, but much of it remains underutilised. Better integration of production inputs and output statistics, market information, climate forecasts and policy analysis would significantly improve planning and investment decisions across the sector.
What qualities distinguish impactful agricultural research from routine research?
Impactful research begins by listening. It addresses practical challenges, involves stakeholders throughout the process and produces findings that are applicable beyond academic journals. The ultimate measure of success is whether research improves decision-making and livelihoods. Unfortunately in Kenya duty bearers are not listening much.
If you could influence one policy reform over the next decade, what would it be?
I would advocate for stronger investment in evidence-based agricultural planning. Consistent policy, informed by credible research and supported by reliable institutions, creates confidence for farmers, investors and markets alike. Long-term transformation depends on decisions grounded in evidence rather than short-term reactions.
What continues to motivate your work after nearly two decades in agricultural research?
The greatest motivation comes from seeing research translate into meaningful change. When evidence contributes to better policies, stronger value chains and improved livelihoods for farming communities, it demonstrates that research has fulfilled its highest purpose—not simply generating knowledge, but creating lasting impact.
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