Feed demand to increase corn consumption in Kenya

Dairy and poultry producers, allegedly the largest feed consumers, are expected to increase their corn purchases to meet increasing consumer demand.

Most of the livestock rations produced in Kenya make up 60 to 80% corn.

The East African country is expected to remain a net importer of corn, wheat and rice. In recent years, the government has been concerned about the rising cost and sustainable supply of corn in the future and has taken initiatives to encourage consumers and feed manufacturers to look for alternatives to the main feed component.

Feed manufacturers have been looking for alternative, cheaper and more sustainable ingredients like sorghum and stills for dried grains with soluble substances (DDGs). “So far, these efforts have had minimal results.”

The USDA estimates that domestic corn production will remain at 4 million tonnes for the next year due to the good weather, steady demand and stable prices. In MY 2020/21, Kenya achieved record production of this product despite COVID19 disruptions.

However, the country’s corn sector tends to suffer from high post-harvest loss, estimated at 30 to 40% per year, according to the USDA publication. The Kenyan National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and the private sector are unable to maintain supplies due to insufficient storage capacity on farms and in other community operations.

The use of feed wheat in the diet of farm animals in Kenya is also expected to increase in the coming year. Sources told the USDA team that feed wheat consumption is projected to increase by 30,000 tons in the marketing year (MY) 2021/22.

Comments are closed.