Nairobi: October 29,2024
By Kurian Musa
Egerton University鈥檚 Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kibwage, led a pivotal stakeholder conference organized by the University鈥檚 Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy, focusing on the urgent challenges in Kenya鈥檚 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.
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.
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. 鈥淟and subdivision is culturally ingrained, but its impact on food security is undeniable. Our agricultural policies must be research-driven to address this challenge,鈥� Kibwage emphasized. 鈥淎s I open this conference, I hope our discussions will inform public policy and link agriculture to broader goals that support healthy living.鈥�
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.
海角破解版Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage and Tegemeo Institute Director Prof. Gideon Obare listen intently to presentations at the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy conference on October 29, 2024, as experts share insights on enhancing food security and addressing land fragmentation in Kenya. Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University.
Researcher Timothy Njagi underscored agriculture鈥檚 foundational role in Kenya鈥檚 economy but noted the rising costs facing small-scale farmers. 鈥淔or farmers to succeed, production costs must be manageable. While other sectors are expanding, agriculture remains essential to economic stability and food security,鈥� 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鈥檚 fish value chain, emphasizing infrastructure to maintain fish quality and reduce post-harvest losses. 鈥淔ish farming has high costs, particularly for feeds, cages, and certified fingerlings,鈥� 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. 鈥淚t鈥檚 essential to coordinate stakeholders across relevant ministries to ensure efficient planning, market alignment, and infrastructural support,鈥� he urged.
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.
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鈥檚 agricultural obstacles. He encouraged ongoing exploration of solutions and emphasized that the conference鈥檚 outcomes should drive policy action. 鈥淟et鈥檚 make sure our findings here spark real change. Research-based insights and collective effort can help us tackle land fragmentation and enhance food security,鈥� he concluded.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to pursue research and policy recommendations supporting sustainable agriculture. The Tegemeo Institute鈥檚 focus on informed dialogue and data-driven solutions is seen as a vital step toward meaningful advancements in Kenya鈥檚 agricultural landscape.
