Supply and demand situation of farm tools and equipment in Kenya

Abstract

A large majority of smallholders in Kenya still depend on hand labour and therefore use hand tools for agricultural production. Providing improved tools and animal-drawn equipment, where suitable, at relatively low prices, could improve agricultural production and the quality of life. Considerable gains can be made through improvements of simple hand tools and equipments. When a tool is being used by most farmers, even a small increase in its usefulness may mean a large gain for agriculture as a whole. Appropriate institutional changes and arrangements must also be introduced simultaneously to facilitate possible improvements at the farm level. The local development and manufacture of implements and equipment should be supported. Marketing and effective distribution of improved tools and equipments is urgent in light of the rising population growth rate that necessitates the creation of more jobs and more food.