October 29, 2024
By Kurian Musa
In a major effort to shape the future of Kenya鈥檚 agriculture, Egerton University鈥檚 Tegemeo Institute hosted a conference in partnership with Michigan State University and Purdue University. With the theme, 鈥淪haping Sustainable Futures: The Influence of Policies, Programs, and Economic Factors in Kenya鈥檚 Agriculture and Well-being,鈥� the event brought together key stakeholders to address the critical challenges facing Kenya鈥檚 agriculture sector today.
海角破解版Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, opened the event in a Nairobi Hotel on October 29, 2024. He acknowledged the urgency of sustainable solutions to the economic, environmental, and social shocks impacting agriculture globally. From the steep rise in fertilizer, fuel, and food costs to the relentless effects of climate change and the lasting repercussions of COVID-19, he noted, 鈥淪ustainability and resilience must take center stage in all policies and programs aimed at enhancing farmers' livelihoods.鈥�
The conference, spanning two days, focused on four years of in-depth research on Kenya鈥檚 agricultural sector. Key topics included fertilizer and soil health, value chain development, human nutrition, youth employment, and strategies for building resilience among rural households. "These focus areas," Prof. Kibwage remarked, "are essential entry points for efforts to secure sustainability in agriculture and livelihoods."
Distinguished participants included farmers, government officials from both county and national levels, private sector leaders, development agencies, civil society organizations, and research institutions. Tegemeo鈥檚 ongoing collaborations with both Kenyan and international partners, including USAID and Michigan State University, formed the backbone of the research and policy insights presented at the conference.
海角破解版Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, addresses stakeholders at the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy conference on October 29, 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for policies to combat land fragmentation and enhance food security in Kenya. Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University.
For more than 30 years, Tegemeo Institute has played an instrumental role in shaping Kenya鈥檚 agricultural policy landscape. The Institute was actively involved in the creation of Kenya鈥檚 Vision 2030, a developmental blueprint that has guided Kenya鈥檚 investment agenda. Tegemeo has also contributed to other landmark documents like the National Food Security and Nutrition Policy and the National Agricultural Marketing Strategy.
One of the recent highlights in Tegemeo鈥檚 collaborative efforts is its contribution to the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, which was adopted during the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in Nairobi this past May. Tegemeo researchers were key to conceptualizing and drafting research papers that informed this vital Action Plan. They also supported Kenya鈥檚 Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in preparing the 2024 Seeds and Plant Varieties Regulations, which now await legal review.
Prof. Kibwage expressed deep gratitude to USAID, especially to Andrew McCowan, Feed the Future Coordinator and Director of the Center of Excellence for Resilience and Food Security, for their continuous support. USAID鈥檚 contributions have helped Tegemeo strengthen its research capacity, laying the groundwork for policy reform in Kenya鈥檚 agricultural sector through data-driven research. 鈥淲e look forward to continued partnership with USAID in strengthening Kenya鈥檚 agricultural data systems, which are pivotal in guiding policy and program development,鈥� Prof. Kibwage said.
Prof. Kibwage also praised Tegemeo鈥檚 longstanding collaboration with Michigan State University and Purdue University. MSU has been a crucial partner since 1997, contributing to the policy analysis capacity seen today, with special recognition given to Professor Mywish Maredia of MSU for her leadership in guiding Tegemeo鈥檚 research initiatives.
The conference concluded with a message of unity and determination. 鈥淥ur collective efforts,鈥� Prof. Kibwage said, 鈥渨ill contribute to crafting policies and programs that promote sustainable agricultural growth and resilient livelihoods for Kenya鈥檚 communities.鈥� The outcomes of this conference are expected to provide actionable insights that will influence policy, ensuring a resilient agricultural sector and food security for future generations.
