AGSC 101 – Introduction to Agriculture & Food
Security
Textbook Style Comprehensive Notes
Prepared for Tharaka University Students
Chapter 1: Meaning & Scope of Agriculture
Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating crops and rearing livestock for food, fiber, fuel, and
other useful products. It is both a livelihood and an industry, forming the backbone of Kenya’s
economy. Branches of agriculture include crop production (horticulture, agronomy, forestry), animal
production (livestock, poultry, aquaculture), and supporting sciences such as soil science,
agricultural engineering, and agricultural economics. In Kenya, agriculture contributes about 30% of
GDP, employs over 70% of the rural population, and supplies raw materials for industry.
Chapter 2: Food Security
Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to
sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It has four pillars: availability (production/imports), access
(affordability and distribution), utilization (nutrition, food safety, preparation), and stability
(consistency of supply over time). For example, in Kenya maize is the staple crop; when drought
reduces its production, national food insecurity occurs. Programs such as the National Food
Security Strategy aim to enhance stability and availability.
Chapter 3: Historical Development of Agriculture
Globally, agriculture began with the domestication of crops such as wheat and barley in
Mesopotamia, rice in Asia, and maize in Latin America. In Kenya, traditional societies practiced
mixed farming and pastoralism. During the colonial period, large-scale estates of tea, coffee, and
sisal were established. Today, smallholder farmers dominate, producing both food and cash crops
with a focus on maize, beans, dairy, and horticulture.
Chapter 4: Natural Resource Base for Agriculture
Soil, water, and climate are the primary natural resources that determine agricultural productivity.
Healthy soils provide nutrients and water storage, while poor soils suffer erosion, salinization, or
nutrient depletion. Water resources include rainfall and irrigation schemes like Mwea, which
sustains rice farming. Climate factors such as temperature and rainfall patterns influence what
crops can grow. Climate-smart agriculture, such as drought-resistant varieties and agroforestry, is
increasingly important.
Chapter 5: Farming Systems in Kenya
Kenya’s farming systems include subsistence farming (e.g., Kisii highlands), commercial farming
(tea in Kericho), mixed farming (maize and dairy in Central Kenya), pastoralism (Turkana and
Samburu), and agroforestry (trees integrated with crops and livestock). Each system is shaped by
ecological, cultural, and economic factors.
Chapter 6: Inputs & Technologies
Key agricultural inputs include improved seed varieties (e.g., H614 maize hybrid, tissue culture
bananas), fertilizers (DAP, CAN, manure), and pest management practices (chemical, biological,
and integrated pest management – IPM). Mechanization ranges from ox-ploughs to tractors and
planters. Post-harvest technologies such as hermetic bags and metal silos help reduce cereal
losses.
Chapter 7: Pests, Diseases & Risks
Major crop pests include fall armyworm and stem borers in maize. Diseases such as maize lethal
necrosis and coffee berry disease reduce yields. Livestock face threats from East Coast Fever,
Foot-and-Mouth Disease, and Newcastle disease. Risks such as droughts, floods, and market price
fluctuations further endanger food security. Insurance schemes like Kilimo Biashara offer some
protection.
Chapter 8: Agricultural Policy & Extension
Policies and institutions guide agricultural development. Extension services link research to farmers
through farmer field schools, demonstrations, and ICT-based platforms. Institutions like the Ministry
of Agriculture, KALRO, and cooperatives support the sector. Policy frameworks, including Vision
2030, prioritize food security as a development pillar.
Chapter 9: Challenges to Food Security
Key challenges include population pressure leading to land fragmentation, climate change causing
recurrent droughts, high input costs, poor infrastructure, and post-harvest losses estimated at up to
40% in cereals. Land tenure insecurity further discourages investment in sustainable practices.
Chapter 10: Strategies for Food Security
Improving food security requires conservation agriculture (zero tillage, mulching), value addition
(milk to yoghurt, maize to flour), irrigation expansion, and nutrition-sensitive farming (orange-flesh
sweet potatoes for vitamin A). Community-based approaches, such as cooperatives and farmer
field schools, also enhance resilience.
Chapter 11: Sustainability & Environment
Sustainable agriculture integrates soil conservation (terracing, mulching), water management
(rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation), and biodiversity conservation (indigenous crops such as
millet and cassava). Agroforestry is a key practice, combining trees with crops and livestock to
improve soil fertility and sequester carbon.
