Fixing Kenya’s food security dilemma

Food prices have remained elevated in most countries within East Africa, sparking off a sequence of mass actions to tackle the rising cost of living. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. David Amudavi shed light on the pressing issues facing the region and proposed solutions to address the food security dilemma. Dr. Amudavi emphasized the need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable green economy-based agriculture to combat the challenges imposed by climate change. He highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, citing unpredictable rainfall patterns and decreased productivity. To safeguard the environment and ensure food security, Dr. Amudavi called for a focus on soil health and the promotion of environmentally friendly farming practices. He advocated for policies that support diversified farming methods such as agroforestry, crop rotations, biointensive agriculture, and permaculture. Dr. Amudavi stressed the importance of investing in practices that prioritize soil health over chemical fertilizers to ensure sustained production and consumption. The key to productivity, according to Dr. Amudavi, lies in managing soil health effectively through biologically friendly soil amendments and diverse farming practices. By shifting focus towards greener and healthier production systems, countries in East Africa can address food security, nutrition security, and public health collectively. Dr. Amudavi applauded the African Union's declaration of 2021 as the year of nutrition and highlighted the interconnectedness of food security, nutrition security, and health. He underscored the need for collaborative efforts between policymakers, development partners, donors, and farmers to transform food systems and increase productivity. As the region grapples with soaring food prices and widespread food insecurity, Dr. Amudavi emphasized the importance of addressing root causes and engaging in meaningful dialogue to find sustainable solutions. The upcoming East African Agroecology Conference, scheduled for March, aims to bring together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to discuss pressing issues and chart a path towards inclusive and sustainable agriculture. The conference will provide a platform for policymakers, ministers of agriculture, farmers, and development partners to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition. Dr. Amudavi highlighted the critical role of farmers in shaping agricultural policies and emphasized the need for genuine dialogue to empower communities and enable farmers to increase production. By fostering collaboration and showcasing farmer-led solutions, the conference seeks to catalyze positive change in the agricultural sector and promote a resilient and thriving economy.