The Kenya Landscapes Actors Platform 2024 Conference, held in Nairobi from November 4th to 8th, focused on “Collaborative Innovation and Knowledge Sharing to Restore and Sustain Kenya’s Landscapes.” During the conference, Nancy Rapando, Africa Food Systems Leader at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), discussed the crucial intersection between food systems and ecosystem protection.
Rapando’s role at WWF involves bridging agricultural production and conservation efforts, aiming to highlight both the opportunities and challenges food systems present for the environment. One of her main concerns is the significant impact of agricultural activities on biodiversity. The WWF’s Living Planet Report revealed a 76% loss in biodiversity since 1970, largely due to the expansion of agriculture into previously undisturbed lands. As agricultural practices, such as maize and horticultural farming, take over natural habitats and rangelands, the use of harmful chemicals further threatens wildlife and ecosystems.
Rapando also highlighted findings from the Africa Ecological Food Futures report, which focuses on the effects of agricultural expansion in African landscapes. In areas like Southern Kenya, spanning from Tsavo to the Mara, croplands are increasingly encroaching upon land once designated for rangeland and livestock production. This shift in land use contributes to overexploitation of resources such as land and water, exacerbating environmental degradation.
During the conference, discussions with stakeholders centered on the need for integrated land use planning. Traditionally, agriculturalists and conservationists have worked separately, but a more coordinated approach is necessary to balance conservation and production. The aim is to ensure that conservation areas remain protected while allowing for sustainable farming and livestock practices. An essential part of this planning involves reducing food waste, as large quantities of food are lost, contributing to unnecessary agricultural expansion. The concept of food banks was raised as one solution, where surplus food could be redistributed to those in need rather than discarded, addressing both food insecurity and the pressure on land.
Additionally, the importance of sustainable farming practices emerged as a key theme. Shifting towards organic fertilizers and bio-based inputs, as advocated by the recent soil health summit, is seen as vital in mitigating environmental damage. While the adoption of these practices is gaining traction in East Africa, implementation remains a challenge. Governments in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are all introducing strategies aimed at food system transformation, but the success of these policies will depend on adequate resources, technical expertise, and community engagement.
The issue of human-wildlife conflict was also addressed. Rapando emphasized the need for zoning specific areas for wildlife corridors to ensure safe migration routes and access to water sources, thus reducing conflict between human populations and wildlife. Understanding the areas that are crucial for wildlife movement is key to maintaining a balance between human and animal populations.
Beyond food banks, the conference also discussed the resurgence of indigenous food systems. Organizations like Rockefeller are encouraging the inclusion of traditional foods in schools, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of seed systems. By reviving indigenous food practices, communities can restore sustainable agricultural methods that are more in tune with the natural environment.
Rapando underscored that transforming food systems requires changes across the entire value chain, from production to waste management. Addressing one part of the system without considering the others will not result in meaningful change. The overall transformation must be holistic, ensuring that all elements of food production are aligned with the goals of environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration.
