Food Security Ep42: What Drives the Transformation of Kenya’s Agrifood System?

You might be curious how Kenya's agrifood sector has changed and what is driving its transformation. Kenya's food system is a key component of the country's economy, accounting for 33.8% of GDP and employing more than 43% of the entire population. However, it is more than just numbers; it is about the interrelated elements that drive change.

Rapid urbanization, disruptive technological developments, and climate change have all had a substantial impact on Kenya's agricultural environment. For example, the country's urban population is projected to quadruple by 2050, resulting in increased urban food demand and lengthier supply chains. Meanwhile, climate change, with its unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures, poses a threat to agricultural productivity.

In the face of a growing climate catastrophe, it is vital to pursue sustainability and resilience objectives jointly with increased productivity. Frameworks that directly handle these challenges are required.

Such frameworks should not overlook the need to increase productivity: yields in Kenya and other African nations south of the Sahara remain low, and stagnant output is a fundamental challenge confronting the food system that warrants policy attention. However, it's important to avoid causing further issues later on.

You have also observed that Food security is a top issue for Kenya under Vision 2030 and the BETA agenda. However, agricultural investment remains below the Malabo Declaration's 10% target, making it difficult to implement ambitious plans adequately. This demonstrates the importance of strategic investments and policies designed to the different needs of Kenya's food system especially on productivity.

What Happened to Agricultural Productivity in Kenya in the last two decades?

When you look at the last two decades, you will see a mixed picture of agricultural productivity in Kenya. Total Factor Productivity (TFP), which measures the efficiency of resource use, grew in some areas but stagnated or declined in others. For instance, maize, a staple crop, has seen minimal yield growth despite increased input use.

Total Factor Productivity (TFP), which evaluates resource efficiency, shows an increment in certain regions while stagnating or declining in others. For example, maize, a basic crop, has experienced little yield gain compared to the demand despite greater input consumption.

Why? Resource allocation inefficiency, limited access to modern inputs, and insufficient research and development spending on enhancing adoption are also significant contributors. You need research outcomes to benefit practically you beyond publication and trials.

On the plus side, investments in agricultural research and extension services have shown promise. For example, new seed varieties and agronomic approaches have increased yields for various crops but this still faces food wastage challenges, especially post-harvest.

However, there are gaps of scarcity and choice, and resources in food systems are often scarce: you are constrained in your ability to engage in intensive farming systems, face tight budgets at the consumer level and institutional actors are limited in their capacity to enable the systems. To scale these solutions, structural issues such as land availability must be addressed particularly for youths and women.

Why a collaborative path forward is needed?

At FSPN Africa, we are dedicated to creating innovative solutions that address food security, and nutrition across African the continent.

While FSPN Africa has made significant strides in improving agricultural practices and food security in certain regions of Kenya, much work remains to be done. To scale its efforts and reach more farmers across the country, additional resources and strategic partnerships are needed to scale up reach to more remote areas, where the need for support is greatest.

Reaching underserved regions will ensure that farmers like you in every part of Kenya and the African region have access to the tools, knowledge, and resources you need to thrive. Ultimately, this will impact a larger number of farmers in your communities.

Reducing food losses by enhancing timely access to reliable markets ensures that you can plan your seasons well, from the preproduction point to access market opportunities where you maximize returns, prevent losses and contribute to meeting the growing demand for food amid unpredictable climate situations.

Beyond direct support for farmers, policy developments are crucial for creating an enabling environment that supports sustainable agriculture, improves food security, and ensures the equitable distribution of resources. However, influencing policy requires significant investment in research, data utilization and building relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders.

To make a meaningful impact on policy, FSPN Africa is poised to conduct in-depth research on the challenges facing Kenya’s agricultural sector and strengthen its advocacy efforts, by contributing to policy dialogues and collaborating with local and international partners to ensure that your voices are heard in national and regional policy discussions.

Similarly, we ensure you are aware of the ongoing changes in policies that affect food systems at production, market and food safety, and land and seed laws. How do you get to learn more information on food systems?

Thanks to digital innovations. They are improving food systems across Kenya and other countries like Tanazania where we serve communities. You can access mobile-based tools, market information, food safety knowledge, innovative value-addition ideas, agribusiness development materials and regenerative agriculture, which will help you navigate the complexities of the modern agricultural economy and enhance environmental conservation.

Access The Shamba Calendar and Community Virtual Hub on Play Store, immerse yourself in the digital tools, learn, plan your production season, understand agribusiness development, improve yields, nourish your household and make your story count in food systems success. This is your opportunity to grow today.

For more information, contact info@fspnafrica.org