Empowering Food Systems Through Regenerative Agriculture: Insights from the V4P&P International Conference

The Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) project held its first international conference on May 28-29, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi, to share key reflections, outcomes, and lessons learned from four years of project implementation in Kenya and Ethiopia. This conference brought together stakeholders from the global community in various sectors, including farmers, private enterprises, and policy experts, all united in their commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. It also aimed to explore potential strategies for scaling up the project.

The conference featured diverse presentations, discussions, and panel sessions, focusing on the project’s core areas: regenerative agricultural practices, vegetable business networks (VBN), improved input systems, and policy recommendations. Notable speakers included representatives from the host World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), SNV, IKEA Foundation, and government officials. The conference provided an ideal platform for knowledge sharing among participants, enabling them to learn from the project’s successes and challenges.

The discussions were rooted in the central theme of regenerative agriculture (RA) and its capacity to transform food systems by improving soil health, water use, and pest management while creating economic opportunities for smallholder farmers. Soil health was highlighted as a critical component of RA, with organic farming systems enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity. The use of organic inputs like compost showed significant improvements in soil structure and long-term productivity.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies were another important topic, with innovative solutions such as biopesticides, companion planting, and push-pull technology discussed as alternatives to harmful chemical pesticides. These eco-friendly approaches are helping farmers reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining crop health.

The economic and social impact of RA practices was emphasized, particularly regarding job creation and income generation for women and youth. Over 21,000 jobs were created across Kenya and Ethiopia through VBNs, which provided opportunities in seedling production, organic input supply, and marketing. However, participants also identified challenges, such as limited market access and the need for stronger financial support systems to scale these initiatives.

Efficient water use was another key focus area, with discussions on energy-efficient irrigation methods, water conservation techniques, and the importance of improving accessibility to clean water for farming. Such strategies are critical to ensuring sustainable food production in regions vulnerable to climate change and resource scarcity.

In terms of policy, the conference emphasized the need for clear, supportive frameworks to guide RA and agroecological transitions. For example, Murang’a County, Kenya, was highlighted as a pioneer in this regard, being the only county in Kenya with an agroecology policy in place. The lessons from Murang’a underscored the importance of local governments in driving sustainable agricultural development.

By the end of the conference, participants had developed concrete recommendations for a potential phase two of the V4P&P project. These recommendations focused on scaling up successful practices, strengthening policy frameworks, and enhancing the capacity of local communities to adopt RA technologies. The conference reinforced the idea that regenerative agriculture is not just a farming practice but a comprehensive approach to transforming food systems and empowering vulnerable populations.

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