By Joel Mburia

At least 300 rice farmers in three coastal counties have been equipped with new skills that is aimed at enhancing rice production from the region.

Under a project being implemented by the the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and funded by the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), the farmers benefited from specialized training programs, high-yield rice varieties, and essential farm inputs such as fertilizer and equipment.

The project also aims to equip farmers with the necessary skills and resources to adapt to changing weather conditions and improve both productivity and income levels.

According to scientists working on the project, coastal counties of Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta hold great potential for large-scale rice production. However, they note that climate change, poor irrigation systems, and limited use of modern farming technologies have significantly hindered the region’s ability to fully exploit this potential.

Training sessions focused on modern agronomic practices including soil fertility management, water harvesting, pest control, and post-harvest handling.

Farmers are also being encouraged to embrace mechanization and cooperative marketing to ensure their produce reaches both local and regional markets efficiently.

Kenya currently imports about 23pc of its rice consumption, which translates to approximately 280,000 tonnes annually, while local farmers only produce around 1.1 million tonnes per year.

Experts believe that increasing local rice production will help reduce the country’s import dependency and improve national food security, particularly at a time when the demand for rice continues to rise across the country.

Dr. Francis Mwaura, one of the lead researchers at KALRO, said the initiative is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the rice value chain and promote sustainable agriculture in areas that have traditionally relied on maize and horticultural crops.

He added that with continuous training, the use of improved seed varieties, and the adoption of climate-smart technologies, coastal farmers could transform their counties into major rice-producing zones in the coming years.

The partnership between KALRO and KOPIA is expected to expand to include more farmers, ensuring that rice farming becomes a key driver of rural economic growth and household food security across Kenya’s coastal belt.

Published Date: October 24, 2025