Kenyan macadamia farmers thrive with new regulations and market access programs

In recent years, the Kenyan government has stepped in with regulations on macadamia harvest timing, aiming to ensure quality and prevent the export of immature produce. These policies have helped stabilize prices for farmers, reducing the impact of early-harvest practices that previously flooded the market and drove prices down. However, navigating this new regulatory environment presents challenges, as farmers strive to comply with guidelines while maintaining a steady income. Also read: Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway: East Africa’s path to sustainable energy Some farmers, like John Kague, have seen positive changes, especially through direct market access programs that connect them with larger processors. These programs not only provide reliable channels for selling produce but also offer training to help farmers meet export standards. Empowered by certification and quality assurance programs, farmers are now able to tap into international markets, such as Europe and Asia, ...