Agriculture is the lifeblood of Kenya, pulsating with the rhythm of over 5 million smallholder farmers and injecting vitality into one-third of our nation's economy.
As an agri-business owner, you're not just cultivating crops; you're nurturing the country's growth and answering the rising global demand for our renowned agricultural products. But this is a challenge we cannot meet without maximising yields and securing the profitability that has proven elusive in recent years.
The escalating prices of farm inputs have squeezed profit margins, with Kenya's official data revealing a near doubling of the overall price index from 98.6 points in 2019 to 167.3 points in 2022. Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity. Improved access to fertilisers, those powerful productivity boosters, can be the catalyst for a resilient and thriving agricultural value chain.
Fertilising Success: The Impact on Your Business
Imagine fields abundant with healthier plants and bountiful harvests, translating into higher profits. Envision your produce commanding premium prices due to its superior size, appearance, and nutritional content. Picture your crops standing strong against pests, diseases, and unforgiving weather, ensuring consistent yields and a stable income stream. This is the promise of improved fertiliser access.
Boosted Yields: Fertilisers replenish the soil's essential nutrients, leading to significantly increased crop yields and higher profits.
Enhanced Crop Quality: Fertilisers can elevate the size, appearance, and nutritional content of your crops, allowing you to command premium prices in competitive markets.
- Increased Resilience: Specific fertilisers can fortify your crops against pests, diseases, and harsh weather conditions, reducing crop losses and ensuring a more stable income stream.
Seizing the Moment: Recent Schemes for Improved Fertiliser Access
The winds of change are sweeping across our nation's agricultural landscape. The Nairobi Declaration on Fertiliser and Soil Health, endorsed by African Heads of State and Government in May 2024, commits to tripling domestic production and distribution of certified organic and inorganic fertilisers by 2034. This declaration aims to enhance affordability and accessibility for smallholder farmers, placing the power of fertilisers within reach.
The Africa Fertiliser Financing Mechanism (AFFM), managed by the African Development Bank, has pledged over $2 million to improve Kenyan farmers' access to fertilisers. Nairobi-based Apollo Agriculture Limited has received funding to distribute over 7,000 tonnes of fertilisers to 100,000 smallholders, stimulating private-sector financing and making essential inputs more accessible and affordable.
Closer to home, Kenya's National Fertilizer Subsidy Program, implemented during the short rainy season in September 2022, offers subsidised fertiliser at half the price of commercial alternatives. With the government availing 1.42 million 50kg-bags of fertiliser, smallholders can access the essential nutrients needed to enhance crop yields and income.
Beyond Access: Maximising the Impact of Fertilisers
While improved access is a crucial foundation, it is only the beginning. Maximising the impact of fertilisers requires knowledge and expertise:
Soil Testing: Partner with local agricultural extension officers or research institutions to conduct soil tests, identifying nutrient deficiencies and allowing you to choose the right fertilisers and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
- Expert Guidance: Seek advice from agricultural extension officers or agronomists, who can recommend optimal application methods for different fertilisers to ensure maximum benefit for your crops.
DHL: Your Gateway to Local and Global Markets
As you cultivate success, DHL is ready to help you harvest the rewards. Our robust logistics network ensures efficient and timely delivery of your produce to local buyers and international markets. Our team of experts will navigate the complex import and export regulations, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing a thriving agri-business.
The world needs what Kenya's agri-businesses have to offer. Open a business account with DHL today and let's grow together.
