Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for increased global investment in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need to support small-scale farmers at the “first mile” where agricultural production begins. Speaking at the 48th International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council in Rome, Italy, Kagwe outlined strategies to enhance food security, build climate resilience, and modernize farming practices.
Kagwe highlighted Africa’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, noting that despite contributing less than 3% of global carbon emissions, the continent faces severe environmental and economic impacts. He called for equitable funding policies and advocated for reforms in European Union deforestation regulations to ensure African nations receive adequate financial and technological support.
With Africa’s youthful population, Kagwe emphasized the potential of technology-driven solutions to transform agriculture. He urged global investors to back initiatives that integrate digital tools, mechanization, and artificial intelligence into farming to attract younger generations to the sector.
Strengthening Value Chains and Cooperative Financing
Kenya’s leadership in cooperative financing was another key highlight of Kagwe’s address. He pointed to the significant role of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) in bridging funding gaps for smallholder farmers, ensuring they have access to capital for inputs and market expansion.
Additionally, he reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening value chains in key agricultural sectors such as coffee, tea, sugarcane, and cotton. He also underscored the country’s expanding opportunities in livestock farming, inviting investors to explore Kenya’s Leather Industrial Park, which aims to boost leather production and exports.
Kagwe called on international partners to support the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing. He emphasized the need for global collaboration to improve access to farm inputs, enhance market conditions, and ensure inclusivity for all farmers, particularly those in rural areas.
The 48th IFAD Governing Council is focused on catalyzing investment at the first mile to strengthen food security and sustainable farming. Kagwe’s remarks underscored Kenya’s role in championing agricultural transformation, urging global investors and policymakers to prioritize strategic funding that empowers small-scale farmers and builds resilient food systems worldwide.
