Murang’a County Government in Kenya has launched a ground-breaking policy and Act on Agroecology, making it the first of its kind in Kenya, if not Africa. The Deputy Governor of the county Hon. Stephen Munania, unveiled the new Murang’a County Agroecology Development Policy 2022-2032 and Murang’a County Agroecology Development Act 2022 on 9 March 2023 at Ihura Stadium, which aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the county. It will specifically provide for the development, promotion and regulation of the organic food industry in the county.

The event was attended by key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, including Dr Ralph Roothaert, the World Vegetable Center Country Director for Kenya and Ethiopia, who made remarks in support of the new policy and Act. He said that traditional vegetables which very nutritious are in high demand, and can easily be grown in agroecological ways, reducing the need for chemical inputs. For every resident of Murang’a County to consume enough vegetables, the agroecological vegetable value chain must become more efficient, reducing costs along the way that contribute to high retail prices. He emphasized that the launch of the Agroecology Policy and Act was very timely, because it promotes the production levels of organic produce, through better training of farmers. The event included an exhibition of publications on agroecology, and farmers showcased their produce from organic and regenerative agriculture practices.

The new policy and Act on Agroecology will promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart farming practices such as crop diversification, soil conservation, and the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides. Dr. Ralph Roothaert, emphasized the Policy and the Act will facilitate markets for organic farm products and enable civil society and the private sector to enhance the capacity of farmers and farmer organizations that promote agroecology.

The launch of this new Act is a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Kenya. It is hoped that other counties Kenya and countries in Africa will follow suit, and adopt similar policies to promote sustainable agriculture and food systems.

The Deputy Governor of Murang’a County, noted that the new policy and Act on Agroecology will have far-reaching impacts on the livelihoods of farmers in the County, as well as on the environment and the overall production of safe food. He urged all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to embrace this new initiative and work together to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

See also “WorldVeg in the News” for links to the story in the Kenyan media