Agriculture summit roots for predictable, precise and profitable farming

Tomatoes in one of the greenhouse at the Kenya Seed exhibition stand on June 17, 2024. [Kipsang, Joseph, Standard]

Farming need not be a gamble or merely a subsistence activity after all else has failed. Instead, Kenyan farmers should fairly predict the outcome of their venture and make a decent living from it.

That was the overarching message during the 4th National Agriculture Summit at the KICC in Nairobi this week. The two-day summit brought together farmers, private sector players and government officials under the theme, Embracing Sustainability: Innovations, Research and Competitiveness in Agriculture.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja opened the forum which had over 1,200 participants over the two days, with a promise that the government would collaborate with the private sector and players to make farming sustainable and profitable.

“As we navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, it is imperative that we embrace innovation, sustainable practices and collaboration to ensure a resilient and prosperous agricultural future. To leave no one behind in food and nutrition security, there are critical guiding areas which include technology adoption, climate change resilience, rural development, market access and inclusive growth,” Karanja said at the KICC amphitheatre during the plenary.

Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) chairman Bimal Kantaria said agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of Kenyans and ensuring food security. He noted the contribution of universities and research institutions to agriculture, hence the need to step up the linkages between the academia and the farmers.

“Our main focus is strengthening policy coherence, enhancing access to finance, leveraging technology and promoting inclusive value chains,” he said.

The summit also featured an exhibition where universities, farm inputs manufacturers and traders showcased the latest technologies and products. Bidco chairman Vimal Shah called for a rethink among farmers and all stakeholders engaged in farming. “We must revamp our systems, embrace new technologies and improve market access for all our farmers to get rapid results and achieve sustainability in the sector,” Shah said.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja makes his speech during the official opening of the 4th National Agriculture Summit at KICC. [Gathenya Njaramba, Standard]

ASNET CEO Agatha Thuo called for more collaboration among all stakeholders.

“The governance of our food systems requires thoughtful, inclusive approaches and a deliberate shift in mindset,” Ms Thuo said.

During panel discussions, experts from various agricultural value chains exchanged ideas on food production, livestock rearing, soil health, climate change adaptation, financing, research and market access.

“Farming should not be a game of chance and our farmers must learn to produce for the market and not to market. With good structures, our farmers could almost predict their revenue and how long they will hold their produce,” said Cereal Growers Association CEO Antony Kioko.

Fertiliser Association of Kenya CEO Lilian Wanjiru said soil health, climate change and the cost of farm inputs should be addressed carefully for sustainable food production across the country.

“The ongoing soil mapping will indicate the deficiencies in our soils and what should be added urgently. We must also mitigate against climate change, coordinate the messaging to our farmers and avoid confusion,” she said.

Kenya Camel Association Coordinator Khalif Abey called for inclusion among pastoralists in Northern Kenya and stepping up of efforts towards fighting desertification.

At the end of the two-day summit, a 10 point-action plan was announced to guide the sector and a forum between university deans of agriculture and ASNET, which will step up the commercialisation of new technologies.