UngaNomics

Ever since we were in school, we were always told that we have a staple food, and that this staple food for the Kenyan is maize, or Ugali if you may. As a result of this, many Kenyan farmers focus on the growing of maize crop. It therefore comes as no surprise  when yearly, due to adverse climatic conditions, if the grain reserves go low the whole country goes into a panic. Punguza bei ya unga, mwananchi anaumia is always the slogan. 

Why year in and year out we allow ourselves to fall into the same predicament can no longer be blamed on  drought and rainfall patterns but falls squarely on the folly of leadership. We have ingrained in ourselves a rigid diet that we dare not see ways to diversify. 

Numerous crops abound that can be substituted for Maize in times of drought. Plants such as potatoes, Cassava, arrow roots and even Millet and sorghum. If we embrace the diversification of agriculture then without a doubt then the endless scandals that have become the hallmark of maize importation will come to an end. And over and above nutritional value will have been maintained if not improved drastically

.