Nairobi: October 29,2024
By Kurian Musa
Egerton University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kibwage, led a pivotal stakeholder conference organized by the University’s Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy, focusing on the urgent challenges in Kenya’s agricultural sector. The gathering brought together experts, policy analysts, agripreneurs, and government officials, united in addressing critical issues like land fragmentation and decreasing agricultural productivity.
In his opening address, Professor Kibwage highlighted land fragmentation as a major barrier to sustainable agriculture, noting its roots in population growth and cultural land inheritance practices. He explained how subdividing arable land into smaller plots reduces its potential for large-scale farming. “Land subdivision is culturally ingrained, but its impact on food security is undeniable. Our agricultural policies must be research-driven to address this challenge,” Kibwage emphasized. “As I open this conference, I hope our discussions will inform public policy and link agriculture to broader goals that support healthy living.”
Participants attentively follow presentations at the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy conference on October 29, 2024, where experts discussed solutions to Kenya's agricultural challenges, including land fragmentation and food security. Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University.
The conference aimed to address additional productivity factors, including government-subsidized fertilizer use, land size limitations, and the need for comprehensive farmer support systems.
Exploring Agricultural Inputs and Production Costs
Professor Gideon Obare, Director of the Tegemeo Institute, joined Professor Kibwage in setting up an engaging plenary session moderated by Joseph Karuge. The session probed the effectiveness of government-subsidized fertilizers and the economic sustainability of farming.
Researcher Timothy Njagi underscored agriculture’s foundational role in Kenya’s economy but noted the rising costs facing small-scale farmers. “For farmers to succeed, production costs must be manageable. While other sectors are expanding, agriculture remains essential to economic stability and food security,” he stated. Njagi stressed optimizing both land use and inputs and called for a reevaluation of agricultural enterprises to ensure they remain viable livelihoods.
Innovations in Agricultural Practices
Agripreneur Susan Mwihaki discussed innovative fertilizer blends addressing soil acidity. Despite rising farm input costs, Mwihaki pointed out that blended fertilizers could not only enhance soil health but also yield improvements and productivity.
Egerton alumna and aquaculture scientist Mercy Chepkurui highlighted innovations in Kenya’s fish value chain, emphasizing infrastructure to maintain fish quality and reduce post-harvest losses. “Fish farming has high costs, particularly for feeds, cages, and certified fingerlings,” Chepkurui said, adding that value-addition efforts like cold storage and fish aggregation help sustain the industry. She also detailed sustainable practices such as converting fish waste into biogas to reduce the environmental footprint of aquaculture.
Advocating for Coordinated Policy Action
The conference spotlighted the need for harmonized government policies impacting food security, production, and market access. Dr. Njagi called for collaborative planning across ministries, including trade, infrastructure, and security, to holistically address food security challenges. “It’s essential to coordinate stakeholders across relevant ministries to ensure efficient planning, market alignment, and infrastructural support,” he urged.
Participants expressed a shared desire for a cohesive approach to food security, stressing that integrated planning would streamline agricultural policies.
Charting a Path Toward Sustainable Agriculture
In closing, Professor Kibwage underscored the role of research and policy in overcoming Kenya’s agricultural obstacles. He encouraged ongoing exploration of solutions and emphasized that the conference’s outcomes should drive policy action. “Let’s make sure our findings here spark real change. Research-based insights and collective effort can help us tackle land fragmentation and enhance food security,” he concluded.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to pursue research and policy recommendations supporting sustainable agriculture. The Tegemeo Institute’s focus on informed dialogue and data-driven solutions is seen as a vital step toward meaningful advancements in Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
