The Food and Agriculture Organisation defines food security as “ensuring that all individuals have consistent access to safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences”.
Recent reports from the World Food Programme underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing that over 780 million people, about one in 10 of the world’s population, struggle with chronic hunger. This crisis is worsened by challenges such as climate change and the relentless rise in global population, projected to reach about 10 billion by 2050.
These alarming statistics paint a glaring reality, serving as an upsetting reminder for all stakeholders to urgently address this pressing issue. In response, in 2015 the United Nations urged member states to commit to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with SDG 2 focusing on zero hunger – aiming to eradicate hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
This commitment demands a collective effort involving governments, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Recognising the urgency for action, Bayer has embarked on a mission to combat food insecurity pegged on its mission, ‘Health for All, Hunger for None”.
Smallholder farmers stand as the unsung heroes silently feeding nations and sustaining livelihoods in the face of monumental challenges. The number of smallholder farmers stands at about 33 million across Africa, with over two billion people globally reliant on their produce.
In Kenya alone, they number 7.5 million and account for 80 per cent of the country’s total agricultural output, further highlighting their pivotal role in achieving food security. With the world’s population swelling and urbanisation accelerating, the pressure on smallholder farmers to increase productivity and ensure food security has never been more pronounced. This requires scaling their subsistence farming practices.
In the face of shifting weather patterns and the endeavour to achieve zero hunger, Bayer is equipping smallholder farmers with climate-resistant seeds tailored for diverse climatic conditions, backed by robust research and development.
These seeds offer a guarantee of high yields on limited land, with the planting cycle encompassing soil testing, land preparation, and safe application of pesticides and fertilisers. Bayer has deployed field representatives who play a critical role in disseminating this knowledge to farmers, ensuring effective implementation.
Moreover, Bayer has established Centres of Excellence in various regions in Kenya, serving as hubs for educating farmers on sustainable practices. These centres boast expert agronomists who provide insights on seeds, product safety, and other pertinent farming techniques. Additionally, Bayer collaborates with farmers to promote sustainable practices such as drip irrigation, particularly in dry areas, thereby enhancing water efficiency and crop resilience.
A key pillar for sustainable smallholder farming is digital innovation. In recent years, the fusion of agriculture with digital technology has ushered in a new era of possibilities for smallholder farmers. Bayer, a steadfast advocate for agricultural progress, recognises the important role of digital solutions in transforming food production. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, smallholder farmers can overcome traditional constraints and unlock their full potential as key contributors to global food security.
Smallholder farmers are the backbone of global food security, and digital innovation represents a cornerstone in their empowerment. By harnessing the transformative potential of digital technologies, we can amplify the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of smallholder agriculture, safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations.
— The writer is the Africa Cluster Lead at Bayer Crop Science
