Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has launched a strategy to support the Kenyan government in efforts to enhance food security.
The 5-year strategy that speaks to the needs of smallholder farmers aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 blueprint for long-term development and aims to transform the country into a newly industrializing, middle-income nation.
Speaking during the unveiling of the new strategy in Nairobi, Kenya, AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata noted that the strategy will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Some of the major threats to agricultural food production are posed by environmental degradation, climate change, and animal and plant diseases.
The new AGRA strategy addresses the need to assess the impact of climate change and its shocks, prioritize disease monitoring, and focus on building markets to pull sustainable farming practices.
“Our delivery model will continue to scale and leverage proven approaches to deliver a competitive and inclusive agricultural transformation in Kenya. We are committed to working closely with smallholder farmers, the private sector, and other stakeholders to enhance food security and build the resilience of the agricultural sector,’’ Dr. Kalibata said.
Agriculture cabinet secretary Mithika Linturi reiterated the government’s commitment to boosting domestic food production as well as increasing exports.
“The Kenya Kwanza Government is keen on strengthening longer-term resilience and increasing agricultural capacity investments to boost domestic food production.”
“Public-private partnerships have the potential to revolutionize food security in Kenya by combining the strengths of both sectors to create sustainable solutions that benefit the entire population,’’ he said.
Linturi added that the agriculture ministry will implement various programs to improve agricultural productivity, food and nutrition security, value chain development, market access and trade, climate change, and the policy and legal framework.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure 100% food and nutrition security and contribute to income and employment creation in a secure environment,’’ added Linturi.
The said programs align with the Kenya Kwanza administration commitments, which include the provision of adequate, affordable working capital to farmers, as well as revamping underperforming export crops and expanding emerging ones.