Social Studies — Resources & Economic Activities in Eastern Africa

Subtopic: Agriculture (Focus: Kenya)

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is growing crops and keeping animals for food, clothing and money. In Eastern Africa, and in Kenya, many people depend on farming to live.

Types of farming you find in Eastern Africa (simple)

• Subsistence farming: Small farms grow food for the family (maize, beans, potatoes).
• Commercial farming: Big or small farms grow crops to sell (tea, coffee, flowers).
• Plantation farming: Large farms that grow one crop for export (tea estates in Kericho).
• Pastoralism: People keep animals and move where there is water and grass (Northern and Eastern Kenya).
• Mixed farming: Farmers grow crops and keep animals on the same farm.

Important crops and where they are grown (Kenya examples)

• Staple crops: Maize (everywhere), beans, cassava, millet and sorghum (drier areas).
• Cash crops for export: Tea (Kericho, Nandi), coffee (Central highlands), cut flowers & vegetables (Naivasha, around Nairobi), sugarcane (parts of Western and Coast).
• Rice: Grown in irrigation schemes like Mwea.
• Horticulture: Flowers and vegetables sold to other countries (big money earner).

Livestock

Farmers keep cows, goats, sheep and camels. Livestock give milk, meat and skins. Pastoralists move with their animals to find pasture and water. Dairy farming (milk) is strong in highland areas.

Why agriculture is important

• Gives food for families.
• Provides jobs for many people.
• Makes money for the country through exports (tea, flowers, coffee).
• Provides raw materials (cotton for clothes, hides for leather).

Factors that help agriculture

• Good rainfall and climate: Many crops need rain. Highlands have good rains and cool weather.
• Fertile soil: Volcanic soils in Rift Valley and central highlands are rich.
• Irrigation: Water from rivers or canals helps grow rice and vegetables when it is dry (e.g., Mwea).
• Markets and roads: Farmers need good roads and markets to sell produce.

Challenges farmers face

• Drought and irregular rains in dry areas.
• Pests and plant diseases.
• Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility.
• Small land sizes for many families (hard to make enough money).
• Poor roads and lack of money for seeds and fertilisers.

Ways to improve farming

• Use better seeds and fertilisers to get more food.
• Use irrigation where water is available.
• Plant trees and use terracing to stop soil erosion.
• Improve roads and set up farmer groups to sell produce together.
• Train farmers in modern farming methods.

Quick classroom activities

1. List 5 crops grown in your area and say whether they are for food or for selling.
2. Match these places with crops: Kericho — ? ; Mwea — ? ; Naivasha — ?
3. Draw a small farm showing one crop and one animal. Label them.

Short summary (for memory)

Agriculture in Eastern Africa, including Kenya, is about growing crops and keeping animals. Many people depend on it. Good soils, rain and markets help farming. Problems like drought and poor roads make it hard. Improving farming helps families and the country.