Nairobi: The government in collaboration with the Intersectoral Forum for Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity (ISFAA) has launched the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation, 2024-2033. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Andrew Karanja stated that the strategy aims to empower farmers by promoting the appreciation of traditional knowledge, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing nutrient recycling and ecosystem integrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Karanja mentioned that the implementation of the strategy is expected to yield a range of benefits extending beyond agricultural productivity. These benefits include increased resilience to climate change, improved economic viability of agricultural value chains and enterprises, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and enhanced social equity.
Speaking at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) headquarters during the launch, the CS expressed confidence that t
he implementation of this strategy will position the country on a path toward sustainable agricultural production. This would contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote sustainable consumption and healthy diets.
He further stated that the strategy will enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation, create green jobs, and secure social equity and responsibility. ‘As a government, we are committed to coordinating the implementation of this strategy and fostering collaborative and partnership-driven approaches to create an enabling environment for the sustained growth and development of the sector,’ he said.
The CS emphasized that support will continue for the development, promotion, and application of agroecology principles, including the use of organic inputs such as organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides. ‘The government is also exploring the inclusion of agro-fertilizer and bio-pesticides in the subsidy programs to enhance their accessibility and adoption,’ said th
e CS.
Dr. Karanja highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and tackling challenges posed by a growing population and the escalating impacts of climate change, which continue to aggravate the country’s food and nutrition security concerns. He pointed out that food production faces significant setbacks due to factors such as declining soil health, unsustainable land use practices, and the degradation of vital ecosystems.
State Department for Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh underscored the urgent need to transform food systems toward sustainability, emphasizing the importance of a robust policy framework to accelerate and scale up efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture. Dr. Ronoh said that agroecology is globally recognized as a viable approach to addressing many challenges facing food systems.
KALRO Director for Crops Systems Dr. Lusike Wasilwa noted the importance of conserving traditional and nutritious foods like ‘kienyeji’ vegetables thr
ough agroecology. Dr. Wasilwa emphasized the significance of soil health, highlighting ongoing efforts to map the soils in the country and develop suitability maps for crops and livestock production that will boost productivity.
A farmer from Kikuyu Constituency, Eugene Ndwiga, shared that 300 farmers have come together to adopt agroecology in growing vegetables and other crops. Ndwiga expressed that strategies like the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation, 2024-2033 are critical for national development and can lead to increased incomes for farmers.