Investing in rural roads key to doubling Kenya’s farm output - study
The analysis also reveals a notably strong relationship between capital stock and agricultural productivity, a 10 per cent increase in capital stock is associated with an approximate 3.0 per cent rise in productivity.
Prioritising rural road development could help Kenya make significant progress in food production, a key step in tackling food insecurity, a new study shows.
Titled ‘Role of Rural Road Infrastructure on Agricultural Productivity in Kenya’, the study links improved rural infrastructure to more than double increases in agricultural productivity.
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The findings by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) reveal that a one per cent improvement in rural road infrastructure is associated with a 2.9 per cent rise in agricultural productivity.
Additionally, it notes that improved road access contributes an additional 1.26 per cent boost in production.
The analysis also reveals a notably strong relationship between capital stock and agricultural productivity; a 10 per cent increase in capital stock is associated with an approximate 3.0 per cent rise in productivity.
“Moreover, the interaction between aridity and road development shows a positive coefficient of 1.327, suggesting that improvements in road infrastructure could yield greater productivity gains in arid regions,” the report reads.
“Lastly, climate variability, particularly rainfall, significantly impacts agricultural success, underscoring the need for climate-resilient road infrastructure.”
Calls for more focus on rural road infrastructure improvement come against the backdrop of the current poor state of most rural roads countrywide.
Kippra reckons that the current state of rural roads across the country is alarming, with only 16 per cent paved and significant disparities across counties.
It identifies this as one of the major factors hindering agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
This is despite the sector constituting approximately 25 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employing around 70 per cent of the total labour force, either directly or indirectly.
High transportation costs, reduced farming output and income instability are additional major challenges affecting the sector, further underscoring the need for robust road networks to drive economic growth.
The study therefore reiterates its recommendation of prioritising investments in rural road infrastructure to enhance agricultural productivity.
“The national and county governments could focus on improving road quality and coverage, especially in areas with high agricultural potential and arid regions, where infrastructure enhancements can yield significant productivity gains,” Kippra said.
“Furthermore, facilitating access to credit and financial services would enhance capital stock.”
The study also emphasises implementing measures to manage climate variability, such as promoting drought-resistant crops and improving irrigation systems.
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