STUDENT ARTICLE- FOOD AND SEED SECURITY IN WESTERN KENYA: AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL OR A MIRAGE?*

Over the last decade, food security has been given a lot of emphasis by the government of Kenya. However, despite all these efforts by the government, research bodies and Non-Governmental Organizations, the attainment of food security in most parts of the country remains an unachieved goal. Seed, among other inputs, remains an important vehicle towards achieving this goal as it determines agricultural productivity to a great extent. Seed security refers to the access to high quality seed at a reasonable price and at the right time. This paper outlines some of the practical experiences I have had in Western Kenya concerning food and seed security.