Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference Returns to Nairobi, Championing Sustainable Farming
The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference (EAAC) is set to take place from March 25-28, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable farming practices. Co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Biovision Africa Trust, and other regional partners, the event will build on the success of the inaugural 2023 conference, which attracted over 600 participants from 17 countries.
Speaking on behalf of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Dr. Christopher Wanga from the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized the critical role of agroecology in transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering resilient and sustainable agri-food systems that not only nourish the population but also safeguard the environment.
This year’s conference, themed Strengthening Agri-Food System Transformation for Resilience, Sustainability, and Socioeconomic Development, aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, contributing 21.8 percent to the GDP and supporting over 80 percent of the rural population. However, the sector faces challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and high input costs. To address these issues, the government is promoting organic fertilizers, biopesticides, and integrated pest management to reduce dependence on synthetic inputs.
Dr. Wanga highlighted Kenya’s leadership in agroecological data collection and reporting under the African Union’s Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative. The country is currently in its fifth cycle of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Biennial Review, tracking progress on organic fertilizer use, agroecological land coverage, and farmer-managed seed systems. This data-driven approach is shaping national agricultural policies and strategies.
The conference will showcase successful agroecological practices from counties such as Makueni, Kitui, Bungoma, Kisii, and Nyandarua. Farmers in these regions have embraced organic farming, composting, and beekeeping, demonstrating that sustainable farming can be both viable and profitable.
Kenya’s agroecology movement is also gaining recognition in global markets. The country ranks among Africa’s top ten in organic farming, with over 173,000 hectares of certified organic land and 83,000 organic producers. A key focus of the conference will be empowering farmers with the tools, policies, and market access needed to enhance productivity and economic sustainability.
As stakeholders converge in Nairobi, the conference is expected to drive further discussions and actions towards strengthening agroecology in Eastern Africa, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability for future generations.
