The MACNUT Association, in Kenya, has received approval from the court to join a legal challenge against the Cabinet Secretary's directive allowing the export of raw macadamia nuts to China. This development is a step towards addressing the concerns of the farmers involved.
The court has set the date for its final decision on 16th February 2025, providing MACNUT and other involved parties a two-week period to submit their responses. "This case is pivotal for Kenyan farmers, local processors, and the sustainability of our macadamia sector," stated Nicholas Njeru, Director at Jumbo Nuts and representative of MACNUT.
The current export policy has led to substantial financial losses for farmers, with middlemen capitalizing by offering lower prices for raw nuts, resulting in farm-gate price reductions of up to 30%. This has particularly impacted small-scale growers, challenging their production sustainability. Additionally, local processors are experiencing shortages of raw nuts, operating below their capacity, and facing over 5,000 job losses in 2024.
"The policy has exposed farmers to exploitation while reversing progress made in developing Kenya's value-added macadamia industry," remarked Njeru. There are also environmental concerns associated with this policy. Exporters' reliance on firewood for drying nuts contributes to deforestation, in contrast to local processors who utilize macadamia shells as biofuel and for compost, highlighting a sustainable practice.
MACNUT is hopeful that the court's ruling will favor policies that support farmers, encourage local value addition, and ensure sector sustainability. "This ruling is an opportunity to protect farmers, promote fair compensation, and strengthen the local industry," Njeru concluded.
As the date for final submissions approaches, MACNUT emphasizes the need for dialogue to protect the macadamia sector and commits to advancing policies that benefit farmers, support local processing, and promote environmental sustainability.
Source: soko directory