National Agricultural Mechanization Policy 2021

Abstract

Mechanization is a key input in the agriculture sector value chains. The main types of mechanization in the country include the use of animal-drawn and motorized machinery, implements and equipment. Development and promotion of these mechanization initiatives have been carried out by the Government in collaboration with the private sector. In line with the Kenya Vision 2030 agricultural mechanization is expected to play a critical role in putting more land into agricultural production. The country has not operated with a clearly defined agricultural mechanization policy. This, together with the existing strategies has not sufficiently addressed agricultural mechanization challenges leading to the low level of agricultural mechanization in the country. The consequences have been environmental degradation, social and economic problems including deterioration in produce quality, low agricultural production and under-utilization of agricultural land. The past agricultural reforms coupled with the increase in population have generally resulted in diminishing size of farm units, which have negatively impacted on agricultural mechanization. Furthermore, this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future and hence it is imperative that the mechanization activities take cognizance of this fact.