By Faith Anene
The government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a new program aimed at strengthening Kenya’s food systems and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The three-year initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) at a cost of more than Sh600 million, will benefit at least 40,000 farmers through training in modern agroecological practices.
The program targets farmers in six counties—Kilifi, Kakamega, Embu, Trans Nzoia, Makueni and Taita Taveta—with a focus on improving soil health, increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing household incomes.
Agriculture experts have consistently warned that declining soil fertility remains one of the biggest threats to food security in the country. The program seeks to address this challenge by promoting the use of sustainable bio-inputs, digital e-voucher systems and strengthened agricultural extension services.
Speaking during the launch, IFAD Kenya Director Mariatu Kamara said the initiative was designed to help farmers cope with the growing impacts of climate change.
“This program is about supporting farmers to adapt to climate change, restore degraded soils and embrace environmentally friendly farming practices,” Kamara said. “By promoting agroecology, we are also addressing biodiversity loss, which continues to undermine agricultural productivity.”
She noted that sustainable land management is critical to ensuring long-term food security, particularly for communities that rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture.
Secretary Administration in the State Department for Agriculture, Rashid Khator, said the program comes at a critical time as farmers prepare for the long rains season.
“We urge farmers to take advantage of the subsidised fertiliser and farm inputs available at regional depots and last-mile distribution centres to ensure timely planting,” Khator said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers, noting that investment in agroecological practices is essential for both productivity and environmental conservation.
“We are committed to equipping our farmers with the right tools and knowledge to thrive,” Khator added. “This investment will not only boost food production but also safeguard our natural resources for future generations.”
