June 24, 2010

News Release: USAID Program Launches the Kenya Maize Handbook

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to Officially Launch the Maize Handbook

NAIROBI, KENYA—Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka will be launching the Kenya Maize Handbook on June 24, 2010.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and developed by ACDI/VOCA-managed Kenya Maize Development Program, the handbook is a reference for the latest developments, with special respect to productivity and market access. With contributions from the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, universities and members of the business community, the handbook consists of 19 chapters, covering just about any topic regarding maize in Kenya.

The official launch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Westlands, Nairobi.

The Kenya Maize Development Program is a U.S. government investment in Kenya’s agriculture which emphasizes participation, learning to improve the productivity and marketing efficiencies of Kenya’s small-holder farmers. Its activities are implemented in partnership with the Cereal Grower’s Association, Farm Inputs Promotions Africa (FIPS) and the Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange.

Perhaps the most salient chapters relevant to maize in Kenya today are on aflatoxins. Two chapters have reference to this subject. Other topics include government policy on maize, diseases that affect maize and one special one on Farming as a Business. This chapter breaks down farm planning into decision-making modules and explains to farmers how to plan their activities to produce and market efficiently.

Various chapters in the handbook have been sponsored by leading agricultural firms in Kenya, ranging from milling firms, insurance companies, crop protection manufacturers, and a special pull out by KEPHIS, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services. This variety of partners indicates the rich source on information that the handbook represents.

Taking three years to develop, this handbook contains contributions from farmers, researchers, ministry of agriculture extension workers, traders and agribusinesses in Kenya who through the years of KMDP’s implementation shared their practical knowledge on the intricacies of the maize subsector in Kenya. The handbook has been developed considering the rich diversity of agro ecological zones in Kenya encompassing different farming systems and production practices. It addresses sustainable use of farming practices and the importance of investing in the conservation of natural resources to ensure future income streams. The publication is intended as a handbook that is useful for a wide range of people.

This edition of the handbook represents a key project success especially in relation to the complementary collaboration we have had with the Ministry of Agriculture, and members of the private sector. It constitutes one of the legacies of USAID’s continued interest in developing Kenya’s agricultural sector. Expected at the launch is Minister for Agriculture, Sally Kosgei, dignitaries from the U.S. bilateral mission and representatives from leading agricultural firms in Kenya.

Media Contact

Nairobia, Kenya: For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Steve Collins, please call Anne Maina +254 2 4443254 or amaina@acdivoca-kenya.or.ke.

ACDI/VOCA strives to promote positive economic and social change worldwide by promoting economic opportunities for cooperatives, enterprises and communities through the innovative application of sound business practices.