2nd biennial international conference on enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems
Loading...
Date
2016-11
Authors
Wanjohi, Waceke J.
Willy, Daniel Kyalo
Nguhiu, Purity
Gichaga, Cyrus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
PREFACE
The agricultural sector remains a key pillar to economic development in SubSaharan
Africa and other developing regions. In Kenya for instance, agriculture is one
of the key sectors, accounting for 25% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector
also accounts for 65 per cent of Kenya’s total exports and provides more than 18% and
75% of formal and informal employment respectively. The growth of the national
economy is therefore highly correlated with agricultural growth and development. The
sector is however faced by a battery of challenges, limiting its potential to play this
critical role. The challenges include limited use of modern agricultural technologies
extreme weather events, deterioration in soil fertility, post harvest losses and poor
access to agricultural extension services. As a result of these challenges, agricultural
productivity has been low and agriculture dependent households continue to be
impoverished. It is therefore critical that efforts by the government of Kenya in
collaboration with other key stakeholders such as research institutes, universities and
other collaborators should focus on addressing these challenges.
In line with this agenda, the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development
(SAED), Kenyatta University organizes a Biennial Conference every two years. This
offers an opportunity to various stakeholders in Agricultural sector to share and
exchange knowledge and experiences. The SAED Biennial conference also provides a
platform for developing networks between individuals and institutions, through which
capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development and address the challenges
affecting the Agricultural sector.
The second conference was organized in collaboration with World Vision Kenya. It
brought various stake holders in agriculture from Kenya and other African countries.
The deliberations centered on the theme “Enhancing sustainable agricultural
production and marketing systems through science, technology and innovation”.
We are therefore pleased to present the book of proceeding of the 2nd SAED Biennial
Conference which was held form 29th November to 2nd December, 2016 at Kenyatta
University, Nairobi, Kenya. The conference received an overwhelming number of
scientific papers cutting across varied themes. These papers are contained in this book
of proceedings and therefore will be of interest to wide readership.
Description
2nd biennial international conference held between 29th November to 2nd December 2016 at Business and Student Services Center, Kenyatta University.
Edited by Waceke Wanjohi, Daniel Kyalo Willy, Purity Nguhiu and Cyrus Gichaga
Keywords
economic development, Agriculture