By PHILIP MWAKIO
The Kenya Coconut Development Authority (KCDA) will be hosting the third International Coconut Conference in September.
The meet is aimed at revitalising coconut farming at the Kenyan Coast. In a statement availed, KCDA said that the event to run from September 17 to 20, 2013, will be a unique platform from which to do business, exchange practices, and learn experts from Africa and the Asian & Pacific Coconut Countries.
The conference themed, ‘Developing coconut agribusiness through Innovation’ will aim at creating awareness on the opportunities and potential in the coconut industry.
It will also lobby for value chain of the coconut tree and its products; and the possible linkages with international markets, producers, and service providers among others.
“It will offer opportunities for coconut farmers, processors, traders, exporters, service providers, equipment manufacturers, bankers, and governments to convene to shape Kenyan coconut sub sector,’’
KCDA which is jointly hosting the event with the Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust. Coconut is the preferred crop for smallholder farmers along cashew nuts and mango at the Coast. The crop is preferred because it is utilized both as a cash crop and for subsistence.
From the baseline study and value chain analysis reports by the Agricultural Business Development (May 2007 - June 2009 and April 2010 respectively), it was found that a total of 82,000 farmers are currently involved in its production .
The report further states that production of main products range from Mature harvested nuts 200 million, Wine 160 million litres, Makuti thatch for roofing purposes 90 million pieces , brooms 10 million pieces and immature nuts 18 million pieces. The yield per tree is on average 20-30 nuts
