Nakuru County Crafts Agroecology Policy to Boost Food Security

In Summary

• Nakuru County develops agroecology policy to promote sustainable farming.
• Policy aims to enhance food security, reduce malnutrition, and protect environment.
• Focus on eco-friendly practices like crop rotation and biopesticides.
• Over 70% of Nakuru’s land is agriculturally productive, supporting 2 million people.
• Policy involves farmers, extension officers, and inter-departmental collaboration.
• Implementation to align with National Agroecology Strategy 2024–2033.

Nakuru County is crafting an agroecology policy to promote eco-friendly farming practices, strengthen food security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance environmental conservation. The farmer-led initiative, announced by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services Leonard Bor, aims to transition smallholder farmers to sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Bor highlighted the policy’s urgency amid climate change challenges. “Agroecology improves soil health, supports farmers, and ensures food security while protecting our environment,” he said during a sensitization workshop in Nakuru. The draft policy outlines strategies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional mechanisms to promote practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and biopesticides, reducing reliance on harmful inputs.

Nakuru, with 70% of its land (243,711 ha for food crops and 71,416 ha for cash crops) highly agriculturally productive, supports over 2 million livelihoods. Major crops include maize (180,388 tons in 2016, valued at KSh 2.91 billion), beans, Irish potatoes, and wheat, alongside a KSh 23 billion horticulture sector. The policy builds on initiatives like the Cropland Carbon Farming project, which promotes soil health and carbon sequestration, boosting yields and farmer incomes through carbon credits.

The workshop, attended by representatives from Agriculture, Trade, and Environment departments, gathered feedback to finalize the policy. Bor noted that public barazas, extension officers, and farmers’ field days are being used to promote agroecology. “This policy empowers smallholder farmers, the backbone of our food system, to adapt to erratic weather patterns,” he added.

Farmer Shadrack Karanja from Wanyororo, a beneficiary of agroecology training through Slow Food Kenya, called the policy transformative. “My farm now yields diverse crops with fewer chemicals, improving my income and soil health,” he said. However, farmers urged for more accessible training and financing to adopt agroecological practices.

The policy aligns with the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation 2024–2033, with Nakuru joining counties like Murang’a, Vihiga, and Kiambu in domesticating agroecology frameworks. Implementation is expected to begin by early 2026, with ongoing stakeholder engagement to ensure success.