Sunflower Farming Offers New Lifeline For Ahero Farmers

Farmers in Ahero, Kisumu County, are turning to sunflower farming as they seek alternative sources of income amid changing weather patterns and the seasonal nature of agriculture.

The shift is being supported through a government-backed pilot project that has seen 100 rice farmers receive certified sunflower seeds, extension services and training on improved production practices.

The initiative is targeting the diversification of farming in an area traditionally associated with rice production, with plans to eventually expand sunflower cultivation to nearly 20,000 acres.

Farmers participating in the pilot say sunflower has performed well despite limited water, making it a potentially suitable crop as changing weather patterns continue to affect agricultural production.

Unlike rice, which requires substantial and reliable water supplies, sunflower can withstand relatively dry conditions, giving farmers another option for generating income when water availability becomes a challenge.

Stakeholders involved in the initiative are also promoting sunflower for its wider agricultural benefits, including its ability to support soil health and attract pollinators.

The crop’s integration with modern farming technologies and improved production practices is expected to further increase productivity and returns for farmers.

Reducing edible oil imports

The push to increase sunflower production comes as Kenya continues to rely heavily on imported edible oils.

The country is estimated to spend about KSh140 billion annually on edible oil imports, while facing a supply deficit of approximately 820,000 tonnes.

Agricultural stakeholders believe increasing domestic production of oilseed crops such as sunflower could help narrow the gap, reduce the country’s import bill and strengthen food security.

Expanding sunflower farming would also provide farmers with an additional source of income, reducing their reliance on a single crop and helping households cope with fluctuations in agricultural seasons and weather conditions.

For smallholder farmers in Ahero, the crop could therefore serve both as an income diversification strategy and as part of efforts to build resilience against climate-related disruptions.

Technology key to productivity

Stakeholders say the success of the initiative will depend on farmers having access to quality seed, extension services, appropriate technologies and reliable markets.

The pilot is expected to provide lessons on sunflower production that can guide the planned expansion to thousands of acres.

Improved farming practices could help farmers maximise yields while making better use of available land and water resources.

The crop’s pollination benefits could also support biodiversity and improve productivity across farms by attracting bees and other pollinators.

As Kenya seeks to reduce its dependence on imported edible oils, stakeholders see the Ahero initiative as an opportunity to connect national food-security goals with improved livelihoods at the farm level.

If successfully scaled up, sunflower farming could give farmers in Kisumu and other parts of the country a more reliable alternative crop while contributing to efforts to bridge Kenya’s edible oil supply deficit.

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