By Benazir Kemunto and Remmy Naibei
Introduction
The sunflower value chain holds immense potential in driving economic growth. The value chain includes input supply, sunflower cultivation, post-harvest handling, processing and extraction, packaging, distribution, sales and marketing, consumption and waste management. Sunflower value chain can be transformed into a thriving industry that creates jobs, boosts incomes for farmers while contributing to Kenya’s broader agricultural and industrial goals. The Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) has identified sunflower as one of the 5 value chains that will boost the local production of edible oils. The government aims to support farmers by providing 4,904 metric tons of sunflower seeds to improve productivity. This blog discusses how unlocking the full potential of sunflower could help Kenya meet its local edible oil demand and become a player in the regional sunflower market hence creating more job opportunities.
Status of Sunflower Industry Progress in the sunflower value chain
Job creation through sunflower production
Kenya production meets 34 per cent of its edible oils and fat requirements, with the deficit (66%) being imported. According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the sunflower oil accounts for 25 per cent of the total oil consumed in Kenya. The acreage under sunflower production increased by 726.8 hectares from 2022 to 2023 (Figure 1). Though the policies are there to support sunflower production, volume decreased from
3.7 to 3.6 tons, perhaps due to climate change, post-harvest losses among other challenges. The total value increased by 24.1 million between 2022 and 2023 because of increased unit prices (Figure 2). This may lead to increased profitability, consequently reducing the import bill on edible oils, which has been increasing at annual rate of 15 per cent. This will also lower cooking oil prices in the country
Figure 1: Acreage and quantity for sunflower production (2022-2023)
Source: KNBS (2024), Economic Survey
Figure 2: Total value and unit prices of sunflower (2022-2023)
Source: KNBS (2024), Economic Survey
The policies supporting the sector include Kenya Youth Development Policy 2019, Crops Act 2013, Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations 2020, among others. They support frameworks for youth empowerment to improve involvement in agriculture, enhancing productivity and efficiency of agribusiness.
Tracing jobs creation along sunflower value chain
Input supply and sunflower cultivation, the first stage of the value chain involves seed selection, land preparation, planting, and pest management. It employs over 19,200 farmers. Post-harvest activities include harvesting, drying, grading, and storage, providing jobs to labourers, transport workers, processing plant operators, and quality control experts.
Processing and extraction include seed cleaning, crushing and refining to remove impurities, providing jobs for machine operators, quality control technicians and supply chain managers. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers reports that the edible oil industry employs over 10,000 people directly and supports over 80,000 indirectly. Packaging and distribution involve workers in packaging, transport, wholesale, retail, logistics, and quality assurance, handling labeling, selling, and distribution.
Sales and marketing employ representatives, digital marketing specialists, and market researchers. In August 2023, the government introduced “Mama Pima” dispensing machines, creating jobs for manufacturers and dispensers at various locations. Consumption offers job opportunities in catering, cosmetics, and hospitality. Waste management includes handling byproducts such as seed hulls, oil residues, and animal feeds, providing employment to garbage collectors, recyclers and biofuel producers.
Challenges in Sunflower Industry Value Chain
Climate change: Changes in weather patterns, such as erratic rainfall and droughts, make sunflower farming less predictable. Sunflowers require steady rainfall, and when the weather is inconsistent, it becomes harder for farmers to produce enough for a profitable harvest.
Post-harvest losses: This occurs due to inadequate storage facilities, improper handling and delayed processing. This reduces the overall profitability for farmers and hampers the efficiency of the sunflower industry.
Limited access to quality seeds: Many smallholder farmers have trouble accessing high-quality sunflower seeds, including Kenya Fedha and H8998. Without good seeds, it is hard to produce healthy crops with high oil content, which directly affects yield and income.
Opportunities in the Sunflower Industry Value Chain
Contract farming: Many farmers stand to benefit from sunflower farming if they receive quality seeds. This implies that partnerships between farmers and oil processors will provide assured markets while stabilizing prices and incomes. This will create more jobs in farming, processing, logistics, and sales.
Consumer preferences: If customers increasingly prefer healthy and nutritious foods, there is an opportunity to increase sales of sunflower oil, which is a premium option that many would opt for if priced fairly.
Sustainability: If the potential in sunflower oil byproducts is harnessed then sustainable energy could be increased through biofuel production. Additionally, seed hulls could also be used to promote climate smart agriculture (CSA).
Conclusion and Recommendations
The sunflower industry is undergoing a transformative shift, aiming to reduce reliance on imports while prioritizing research and development to promote sustainable agricultural practices and significantly boost oil production. To realize the potential in the sunflower value chain, the following recommendations could be considered:
Adapt to climate change: The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment to work together to introduce climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices, including hydroponics, which help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns.
Training and education on proper harvesting and handling: The Ministry of Agriculture to train farmers on the best harvesting practices, including the correct timing for harvesting and the use of appropriate tools to minimize the losses.
Improve access to quality seeds through research: The Ministry of Agriculture and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) could ensure high-quality seeds and support are available to farmers through extension services. This will increase productivity.
