Wheat production and research in Kenya: Constraints and sustainability
Karanja, D.D. | Pinto, J.M. (National Plant Breeding Research Center (NPBRC), Njoro (Kenya))
Kenya imports half of its domestic wheat requirements. Demand continues to outstrip domestic supply leading to escalating imports. The challenge facing the country is to aggressively step up local production and dampen imports by switching to wheat blends. Although research has provided numerous improved varieties and complementary recommendations, production continues to be dismal. The production structure changed from exclusively large-scale to dual large- and small-scale production systems, both in high- and marginal-potential regions. This shift poses a great challenge to researchers to provide appropriate wheat production technologies, especially to small-holders and those in marginal environments. The ability of research to respond to the growing demand of the wheat industry is hampered by inadequate research funds and facilities, and lack of research continuity. These problems limit the capacity of research to provide a continuous stream of desired technologies for improved and sustainable wheat production, and thus, require urgent attention
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