The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) on May 5, convened a stakeholders’ consultative forum bringing together key players in the macadamia subsector to plan reforms aimed at strengthening the value chain.
The meeting focused on building consensus around price stabilization and introducing measures to guarantee fair compensation for farmers.
During the session, macadamia farmers raised concerns over persistently low farm-gate prices, which they say undermine profitability and discourage production. They also pointed out inadequate quality standards and gaps in traceability as key issues that limit access to premium markets and reduce competitiveness.
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According to the organisers, the forum is also aimed at exploring the possibility of organizing farmers into cooperatives to enhance their bargaining power.
“Such structures are expected to enable collective marketing, improve quality control and give farmers a stronger voice in determining prices within the sector.” One of the officials said
This move aligns with Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe constant call for all stakeholders to align and increase efforts toward protecting farmers’ income and restore stability in the sector.
By Juma Ndigo
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