OPINION: IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON RICE PRODUCTION IN WESTERN KENYA SCHEMES
Joel Tanui, Senior Manager, National Irrigation Authority OPINION: IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON RICE PRODUCTION IN WESTERN KENYA SCHEMES By Joel K. TANUI Senior Manager, National Irrigation Authority July 31, 2020 Overview. In the Rice growing schemes in Western Kenya, rice farmers are dealing with one of the worst floods in recent history, and now they also face substantial challenges created by the COVID 19 pandemic. The pandemic has affected rice farming in many ways including security of land tenure and access to credit, capital inputs, remittance of operation & maintenance fee, and safe food and water. During emergencies such as the 2020 Floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers need assistance, either from the government or Non-Governmental Organizations. National Irrigation Authority (NIA) in the region, have provided farmers with basic Assistance in maintenanc...