Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru is supporting regenerative agriculture with clean energy solutions that involves integrating renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal into farming practices to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable, environmentally friendly farming.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Climate Change, Energy, and Natural Resources, Dr. Nelson Maara, emphasized the urgent need for Kenya to sustainably produce sufficient, nutritious food while addressing climate change impacts from agricultural practices. With the population expected to reach 96 million by 2050, adopting climate-sensitive farming is imperative as agriculture is responsible for 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Maara highlighted that renewable resources like sun, wind, and geothermal do not pollute the atmosphere, unlike fossil fuels. Studies indicate that using these resources in food-related processes such as irrigation, harvesting, processing, storage, and transportation promotes sustainable farming.
During a session organized by the County Government in collaboration with the Netherlands Development Corporation (SNV) and the IKEA Foundation, Dr. Maara reiterated Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to supporting regenerative agriculture through clean energy solutions. Integrating clean and renewable energy into agricultural practices is expected to reduce production costs, increase yields, and improve food security for residents.
The session brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including officials from the Directorates of Agriculture, Crops, Environment, Water, and SNV representatives, to optimize the initiative’s impact. Dr. Maara noted that the ongoing ‘Seas of Change’ initiative aims to establish a renewable energy-driven, resilient food system that enhances sustainable farming practices and farmers’ incomes.
The County Government is driving a clean energy revolution to enhance climate change adaptation and strengthen food security. This involves providing incentives and technical support to farmers, focusing on renewable energy in agriculture and fisheries, to enhance food security.
Dr. Maara explained that the County is promoting equipment that reduces post-harvest losses and preserves food quality through indirect geothermal heating, green energy-powered cooling technologies, solar dryers, and milling and oil processing equipment. Collaboration with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) aims to supply farmers with geothermal steam for agricultural processes.
He elaborated that solar-powered irrigation could drip-irrigate crops on both small and large farms, reducing resource usage. Solar-powered cold storage rooms offer an effective solution for off-grid areas, potentially reducing food wastage.
The County’s initiative also focuses on addressing energy access challenges, improving productivity, and creating jobs. Renewable energy is seen as a critical component in meeting the needs for electricity, heating, cooling, and transport in Kenya’s food systems.
Scaling up renewable energy in agri-food systems requires concerted action by government, private sector, international organizations, and others. Dr. Maara emphasized the potential of geothermal energy for increasing food production and security.
In fish farming, geothermal energy helps maintain optimal pond temperatures, reducing the maturity period for fish and increasing profitability. Farmers are encouraged to use solar panels to generate electricity for water pumps, supporting water supply and irrigation.
SNV’s Head of Leverage and Pathway, Mr. Geoffrey Rono, commended Nakuru County’s proactive approach to sustainable agriculture. He expressed confidence in the ‘Seas of Change’ initiative to build upon previous successes in regenerative agriculture.
The session allowed technical experts and stakeholders to discuss best practices, policy support, and investment areas. Discussions focused on financing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and infrastructure for renewable energy in farming.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that global food production contributes a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with significant contributions from livestock, fisheries, crop production, and land use.
Cooperatives Chief Officer Mr. Kibet Kurgat emphasized the County Government’s commitment to ensuring local farmers benefit from regenerative agriculture and renewable energy solutions as the ‘Seas of Change’ initiative prepares for its 2025 rollout. Future engagements will focus on practical implementation strategies and resource mobilization to maximize the program’s impact across the county.