Maize production in Kenya's Nyanza province has suffered a blow following the post -election violence that rocked the country, pushing prices for the commodity beyond the reach of many.
Preparation of fields for the planting season, which normally takes place between February and March, has not started. Nyanza provincial director of Agriculture Otieno Owiro said the region produces five million bags of maize annually.
“Due to the post-poll violence the sector has been affected and production is likely to go down,” said Mr Owiro.
In effect, the prices of the commodity in the region have gone up from between Sh1,300 ($19) and Sh1,400 per 90 kilogramme bag to between Sh1,600 and Sh2,400.
In addition, the National Cereals and Produce Board stores in some parts of the province were vandalised, constraining release of strategic reserves to distributors. He said stores in some areas were either looted or set on fire.
The East African Grain Council (EAGC) projects that grain prices in East Africa are expected to rise as the stock position gets tighter in Kenya, following the violence, and Tanzania.
Business Daily Africa
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