The Kenyan government, in its ongoing efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security, has announced a new collaboration with universities, innovators, and the private sector. This initiative, which focuses on research and technology, aims to address the pressing issues of climate change, post-harvest losses, and value addition in the agricultural sector. Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, made this announcement on Friday during the Agribusiness Trade Fair held at the University of Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County.
Themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agri-preneurship and Value Addition to Spur Industrialisation for Sustainable Development,” the event highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising Kenya’s agricultural sector through innovation and technology. In his speech, Dr. Ronoh reiterated the importance of these partnerships in building a resilient agricultural system that is not only productive but also sustainable.
A Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture
Dr. Ronoh emphasised the need to tackle the effects of climate change on agriculture. Farmers across Kenya have been struggling with unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and other climate-related challenges that have adversely affected crop production. To counter these issues, the government is looking to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that incorporate advanced technologies. These include soil conservation techniques, improved water management systems, and the use of superior seeds and seedlings that are more resistant to harsh environmental conditions.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will partner with universities, innovators, and the private sector to scale up technologies and innovations that support farmers in tackling climate change, modern food production, soil conservation, and the use of superior seeds and seedlings for sustainable food and nutrition security,” Dr. Ronoh stated.
Enhancing Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition
One of the critical issues facing Kenyan farmers is post-harvest losses, where a significant portion of crops are wasted due to poor storage and transportation systems. The government’s new model addresses this by promoting improved post-harvest management, ensuring that crops reach the market in good condition and that farmers maximise their yields.
Value addition is another major focus of the initiative, as the government seeks to increase the profitability of agricultural products. By processing raw materials locally, farmers can create higher-value products, reducing reliance on imports and boosting the country’s export potential. This will not only increase farmers’ incomes but also contribute to Kenya’s industrialisation agenda, which aims to make agriculture a more commercially viable sector.
The Mama Kitchen Garden Initiative
In line with these goals, Dr. Ronoh announced the upcoming Mama Kitchen Garden initiative, which is expected to transform small-scale farming in 24,000 villages across Kenya. The project will provide farmers with water supply, farm inputs, training, and capacity-building support to enhance agricultural production. This initiative is seen as a critical step towards improving food security at the grassroots level, enabling farmers to grow more nutritious crops and make better use of available land.
The initiative’s focus on small-scale farming is significant given Kenya’s population growth and the increasing pressure on available land. By equipping farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to practice sustainable agriculture, the government hopes to increase productivity on limited plots of land, ensuring that families can meet their food needs without expanding into ecologically sensitive areas.
Subsidised Fertilisers and Quality Inputs
Another major development announced by Dr. Ronoh is the distribution of subsidised fertilisers to farmers beginning in November. The government will work through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Agrovets, farmers’ cooperative unions, and Saccos to ensure that farmers have access to these inputs at an affordable price. In addition to fertilisers, farmers will also benefit from the distribution of quality certified seeds, seedlings, and pesticides.
This move is expected to significantly reduce the cost of production for many farmers, especially those in rural areas where access to inputs has historically been a challenge. By improving the quality of inputs, the government aims to boost agricultural productivity, ensuring that farmers can produce higher yields, improve food security, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Conclusion
The government’s partnership with universities, innovators, and the private sector marks a bold step towards modernising Kenya’s agricultural sector. Through research, technology, and innovation, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to address the challenges posed by climate change, improve post-harvest management, and promote value addition.
As Kenya faces increasing pressure on its agricultural resources due to population growth and environmental changes, these initiatives offer a promising solution. By supporting farmers with the tools they need to adopt climate-smart practices and optimise land use, the government hopes to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security for generations to come. The distribution of subsidised inputs, alongside projects like the Mama Kitchen Garden initiative, will empower small-scale farmers and strengthen the country’s agricultural foundation, driving progress towards sustainable development.
