Sugarcane Production in Kenya
Cleopa Tiema
Department of Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo (Main) Campus, P.O. Box 210 - 40601 Bond, Kenya.
Angeline Ochung
Department of Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo (Main) Campus, P.O. Box 210 - 40601 Bond, Kenya.
Solomon Omwoma *
Department of Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo (Main) Campus, P.O. Box 210 - 40601 Bond, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Kenya envisioned that by 2030 it would have improved citizen livelihood through agricultural industrialization. Some challenges exist in achieving this goal, especially the effects of climate change and technology transfer. Sugarcane production, for instance, has been elusive with several factories in Kenya experiencing losses. In this work, we explore the sugarcane value chain in Kenya compared to other sugarcane-growing regions that have recorded profits from the sugarcane industry. The production matrix of sugarcane in Kenya is approximately 8.7 million metric tons per year. Out of which, approximately 690,000 metric tons of sugar is generated. The remaining biomass is majorly wasted. Major sugar factories in the world earn their profits from this remaining biomass. Kenya needs to impress technology transfer and convert this waste into profitable products.
Keywords: Sugarcane, crops value chain, gross domestic product (GDP)