How regenerative farming can tackle food security

Kenya farmers are being encouraged to embrace regenerative agricultural practices to enhance soil and water quality to benefit the environment, economy and society at large.

The practices refer to techniques that focus on restoring and improving the health of soil, water, and ecosystems while simultaneously enhancing agricultural productivity. These practices aim to create resilient farming systems that promote biodiversity, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration.

Despite the numerous benefits, many farmers have been hesitant to adopt regenerative practices due to a lack of empirical evidence showcasing their advantages.

But Madrin Maina, the Sistema.bio company’s African regional director, says it is important for small hold farmers to not only adopt climate smart farming technology but also to receive complimentary knowledge that transforms their lives economically.

Practices like minimum tillage, residue retention, and cover cropping are some methods capable of improving soil carbon, crop yield, and overall soil health, particularly in specific climatic zones and soil types.

Using synthentic chemicals

Maina further cautioned against the overuse of synthetic chemicals, which can result in biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, urging farmers to embrace more sustainable farming practices for their long-term benefit.

Sistema.bio entry into the Western Kenya Hub aims to provide farmers with innovative bio-digester technology, training, and financing. This initiative, according to Maina, will empower farmers within the region to tackle challenges such as poverty, food security, and climate change.

Through the Western Kenya hub, farmers in counties like Kisumu, Homabay, Kakamega, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, and Busia are expected to benefit, potentially improving the livelihoods of over 26,000 households.

Godfrey Owori, the County Executive for Agriculture in Kakamega County, welcomed the launch of the initiative, emphasizing its potential to directly enhance farmer productivity.

Owori said the Kakamega County government is among those that will support such initiatives so as to provide smallholder farmers with access to farming technology through credit facilities.

He highlighted the importance of such access in positively impacting farmer productivity and ultimately improving the lives of small-scale farmers in the region.