Growing More Rice while Saving on Water: An information brochure used for Training on SRI in Mwea, Kenya Prepared by: Prof. Bancy M. Mati and Matolo Nyamai

KENYANS WANT MORE RICE
The demand for rice in Kenya continues soar as more Kenyans show progressive changes in their eating habits, coupled with urbanization. Rice is currently the third most important cereal crop after maize and wheat. The national rice consumption is estimated at 300,000 metric tons compared to an annual production range of 45,000 to 80,000 metric tons. The deficit is met through imports, valued at Ksh.7 billion in 2008. Moreover, rice is currently the most expensive cereal (or any grain) in the country, retailing at about Ksh.150-200/kg. Most of the rice in Kenya is grown in irrigation schemes established by Government, which include Mwea, Bura, Hola, Perkera, West Kano, Bunyala and Ahero. Smaller quantities are produced along river valleys. About 80% of rice in Kenya is grown under continuous flooding as is typified in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The paddy system of rice production depends on a continuous supply of water for irrigation and soils with high water holding capacities. Even in Mwea, water scarcity in times of drought means the scheme has ration water, like what has happened this year (2009).

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