Farmers Seek Protection From Plummeting Crop Prices

Farmers in Kenya are facing challenges as cartels in the agricultural sector exploit their hard work and position themselves strategically in the value chain. Complaints have arisen about declining prices for tea, coffee, sugar, macadamia, avocados, and other cash crops. Farmers are calling on the government to protect them from heavy losses caused by skyrocketing costs. The sector’s problems can be attributed to exploitative brokers and cheap imports flooding the market. These powerful cartels threaten the livelihoods of many farmers who rely on agriculture for their income. The government has promised to crack down on these cartels and revoke licenses of companies involved in fraudulent practices. Coffee prices have dropped significantly from last year, with brokers buying macadamia at a fraction of its previous price. Global tea prices have also decreased, leading farmers to demand subsidies. The hope is that the nearly Sh50 billion allocated to the sector in this year’s budget will make a difference through fertiliser subsidies and development projects. Agriculture contributes half of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP), making it crucial for the government to address cartel issues while balancing improved earnings with affordable prices for consumers.