The National Agriculture Summit (NAS), held on July 4th, 2023, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country to address the critical theme of “Leaving no One Behind for Food and Nutrition Security and Agriculture Competitiveness.” The summit organized by the Agriculture Sector Network (ASN) highlighted the urgent need to transform national food systems to tackle the challenges of food security, nutrition, and
sustainability on a global scale.
Dr. David Amudavi, the Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), played a pivotal role as a key speaker at the event opening the first panel debate after official opening by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development. He underscored Biovision Africa Trust a Pan-African organization established in 2009, has been committed to uplifting smallholder farmers, especially
women and youth, across Kenya and other African countries. Through the dissemination of crucial information on interventions in human, animal, plant, and environmental health, BvAT operates as a change agent, promoting sustainable farming practices, healthier diets, climate change mitigation, and minimizing the adverse impacts on the environment.
Global food systems challenges are some of the concerns raised at the National Agriculture Summit and resonate with the conclusions drawn from various international gatherings, including the UN Food Systems Summit in September 2021, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, and the Nutrition for Growth Summit in December 2021. These high-level events have highlighted the broken state of global food systems and underscored the need for comprehensive and collaborative efforts to address the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability.
In his address, Dr. Amudavi noted that Sub-Saharan Africa faces unique challenges in achieving food and nutrition security including:
- Climate shocks to food systems – Over the past few years, the region has experienced a surge in extreme weather events, conflicts, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have collectively pushed nearly 50 million more people into acute food insecurity. Moreover, climate- induced shocks are now occurring approximately every 2.5 years, disrupting food systems at an alarming rate. Insufficient time between shocks hampers countries, regions, and farms from adequately recovering and adapting to the changing conditions.
- Global price shocks – SSA countries are not immune to the repercussions of global shocks in food systems. Volatility in commodity markets, increases in energy and fertilizer prices, trade disruptions, and international conflicts have all contributed to steep rises in food prices across the region. Consequently, families struggle to afford basic food necessities, leading to heightened food insecurity.
- Undernourishment – The challenge of food security extends beyond acute hunger and famine. A growing concern is the prevalence of longer-term undernourishment, leading to poor health outcomes for millions in the region. The increasing number of undernourished individuals has serious implications for the overall well-being and health of the population.
In underscoring the critical question of how to realize food systems transformation in Kenya Dr. Amudavi advised on the need to examine the interactions among the players within the country’s food systems and how they boost or inhibit true food system transformation. Under the Summit’s mantra “Leaving no one behind” we need to ask: Who are the key players within our food systems that shouldn’t be left behind? Do we have a system that is fair and just to all the key players within our food systems? These questions underline the importance of governance in food systems. The issue of power and the associated interests is also a key consideration. He argued that at the end of the day, the country needs to ensure that food systems governance guarantees everyone access to nutritious and healthy food.
Addressing food systems challenges in sub-Saharan Africa requires concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and communities. Dr. Amudavi pointed out that agroecological farming is a sustainable pathway for Kenya to achieve food security and sustainability. He emphasized some of the transformative pathways Kenya can adopt to sustainable food systems transformation, including:
- Enhancing Intensification and Extensification of Agriculture: Promote sustainable farming practices and diversify production systems enabled by appropriate technologies including irrigation to improve yields while preserving the environment.
- Revolutionizing Agricultural Extension & Business Development Support Systems: Modernize extension services and provide support to farmers for adopting agroecological practices and accessing markets.
- Strengthening and Developing New Marketing Structures: Create efficient value chains for agroecological products to connect farmers with consumers and ensure fair value distribution.
- Embracing Zero-Waste Economy in Agriculture: Minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency throughout the food supply chain.
- Revitalizing Strategic Food Reserves: Ensure sufficient food reserves to mitigate the impact of shocks and stabilize prices.
- Creating an Institutional and Policy Enabling Environment: Foster an environment that encourages and supports agroecological practices and sustainable food systems.
Dr. Amudavi also stated that in empowering communities, local governance plays a pivotal role in the transformation of food systems. By engaging with local perspectives and empowering communities, national priorities can align with local needs. Decentralization grants subnational governments greater authority over food systems, making them influential in development networks. Citizen participation
fosters accountability and inclusivity.
In conclusion, a sustainable and inclusive food future transforming Kenya’s food systems is not just a national goal; it is a global imperative. By embracing agroecological principles, strengthening local governance, and pursuing transformative pathways, Kenya can build sustainable and resilient food systems. These systems will not only feed its people but also restore the environment and ensure prosperity for future generations. As Kenya takes the lead in this endeavor, it sets an example for other nations to create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food future for all.
Prepared by : Mercy Zak
