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World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) and SNV concluded phase one of the Greener Greens project in Murang’a County, Kenya, with an engaging two-day workshop from 28th to 29th February 2024. The event gathered government representatives, civil society organizations, research institutions, universities, input suppliers, and local farmers.

Dr Kiringai Kamau, Murang’a County Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperatives, officially opened the workshop, expressing deep appreciation for the initiative’s role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices within the county. Dr Kamau, a farmer himself, stressed the importance of integrating agroecology into the county’s agricultural agenda, and acknowledged WorldVeg and SNV for their crucial role in promoting regenerative and agroecological practices, especially through the Greener Greens project.

Chief Guest Dr. Kiringai Kamau, Murang’a County Minister for Agriculture, livestock Cooperatives (1st Left), Ralph Roothaert WorldVeg Country Director and Principal Investigator, Veggies 4 Planet & People and Daniel Gitahi, Murang’a Country Director of Agriculture, Value Chains, Policy and Strategy (1st Right) during the opening session of the workshop

Ralph Roothaert, WorldVeg country director in Kenya and leader of the Veggies 4 Planet & People initiative, provided insights into the project’s broader context. He explained WorldVeg’s mission to promote healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods through research and development, and how the Greener Greens project and Veggies 4 Planet & People initiative are addressing local and global challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability, focused on traditional African vegetables. He emphasized the support from funding agencies, the IKEA Foundation and Biovision, demonstrating a shared commitment to safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

Participants engage in group work discussions during the Greener Greens workshop in Murang’a

The Greener Greens project demonstrated real impacts on agricultural productivity, consumption patterns, and economic viability in Murang’a County. Through research and field trials, it showed the benefits of agroecological practices over conventional methods, with higher crop yields, reduced postharvest losses, and enhanced resilience of farming systems. Notably, the project established a network of vegetable businesses, empowering smallholder farmers to expand income streams and strengthen food security. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on these achievements and think about future actions.

Daniel Gitahi, Murang’a Country Director of Agriculture, Value Chains, Policy and Strategy (1st Right) with other participants of the Greener Greens workshop pose for a photo

Looking ahead, participants stressed the importance of continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and training initiatives to spread the positive impacts of the Greener Greens project. The launch of the groundbreaking Agroecology Development Act and Policy by the Murang’a County government in 2023 is a key milestone in mainstreaming sustainable agricultural practices. This legislative framework, together with partnerships and grassroots engagement, will stimulate a shift towards more resilient and equitable food systems. As the project moves forward into a second phase, stakeholders remain committed to advancing agroecological principles, enhancing market linkages, and empowering local communities to thrive sustainably.

See also Kenya News Agency article –
Agro-ecologically grown vegetables post higher Yields in Survey – Kenya News Agency