Upland rice cultivation is gaining momentum in the Eastern Kenyan counties of Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi.
This surge is driven by a collaborative effort between Kilimo Trust, the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation and Egerton University.
The varieties, also known as dry rice, are grown in drier areas or in regions with well-drained soils, similar to where maize or wheat are planted.
Simon Mbai, a farmer in the Nkui area of Meru county, said these new varieties have been a game-changer.
“Since I switched from maize to rice farming, my income has nearly doubled," he said.
Adelina Munyua, another farmer in Meru, noted that the interest in upland rice is growing, with more farmers asking her to teach them about these varieties.
“Beyond the economic benefits, the adoption of upland rice has ensured a stable food supply and improved nutrition for families. Our daily diet has always revolved around maize because rice is expensive in the market. With rice, we have both an alternative staple and a cash crop," Munyua said.
Kilimo Trust CEO Birungi Korutaro, emphasised the importance of the initiative in achieving rice sufficiency not only in Kenya but across Africa.
"The adoption of upland rice farming in East Africa marks a significant step towards achieving food security and mitigating the effects of climate change in the region," Korutaro said.
He added that reducing dependence on imported rice can lower food import costs and strengthen local economies.
"Our commitment to promoting upland rice farming aligns with our vision for a food-secure East Africa that is economically and environmentally sustainable," Korutaro said.
Upland rice matures within three to four months and has a slightly lower production cost compared to lowland or paddy rice.
Designed to thrive under rainfed conditions, these rice varieties have increased incomes for small-scale farmers and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.
These rice varieties can also be intercropped with other plants, making them suitable for small-scale farming.
"Unlike paddy rice, upland rice plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health by allowing the easy incorporation of legumes as rotational crops," says Prof. Paul Kimurto of Egerton University.
He added that over the past two years, more than 3,800 small-scale farmers in the region have received training.
"Over 800 farmers have adopted the drought-tolerant upland rice varieties, which are seen as a potential solution to Kenya's food security challenges."
The upland rice initiative is part of Kilimo Trust's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Rice Initiative for Climate Smart Agriculture (R4iCSA), which aims to increase production and promote sustainable practices among 10,000 smallholder rice farmers in Kenya and Uganda to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Funded by the IKEA Foundation, the R4iCSA project aligns with the Kenya National Rice Development Strategy and the East African Community's Rice Development Strategy which seek to boost rice production, reduce reliance on imports, and address climate change.
Rice consumption in Kenya is rising rapidly due to changing consumer habits, especially among the growing urban population.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics estimates that annual rice consumption in Kenya exceeds one million tonnes, while the production capacity is around 230,000 tonnes.
In 2023, Kenya spent Sh54.7 billion to import 937,098.5 tonnes of rice to address the deficit.
Source: The Star