Unlocking carbon credits for African markets

Agriculture in Africa has long been seen as a vital sector for economic growth and poverty reduction. However, there has been a notable lack of investment in mechanization of agriculture at the national government level. Laikipia County Governor Joshua Irungu highlighted the challenges faced in Kenya, where past attempts at government-procured mechanization services failed to take off. This has prompted a shift towards private sector involvement in providing machinery and equipment to farmers. Governments are now focused on creating a conducive environment for private investors to fill the gap and support small-scale farmers. To improve productivity and increase earnings in the agricultural sector, investment in the entire value chain, from production to market, is crucial. Governments must prioritize extension services, subsidies for machinery imports, and climate-smart agriculture practices such as crop rotation and seed conservation. Additionally, forming cooperative societies among small-scale farmers can enhance access to mechanization and technology. Addressing post-harvest losses, which account for nearly 50% of all losses, is also critical. Policies to establish warehouses and dryers for farmers to store their produce will help sustain the value chain. In the face of climate change and shrinking farm sizes, promoting water harvesting at the household level is essential for food security. Laikipia County aims to empower 50,000 households to cultivate kitchen gardens using water collected in tanks. This initiative not only ensures food self-sufficiency but also contributes to women empowerment, reduced water-borne diseases, and soil conservation. Governor Irungu emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts involving governments, financiers, private sector, and farmers to address the multifaceted challenges in the agriculture sector and achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.