Sustainability Stories: Insights from Christine Ogolla

Agriculture remains central to Kenya’s economy and rural livelihoods, with over 70 % of the population dependent on farming directly or indirectly. Yet the sector faces mounting pressures from climate change, land degradation, fluctuating markets, and socio-economic inequities, making sustainable development both an urgent necessity and a complex challenge. In recent years, the Kenyan government, civil society, and international partners have intensified efforts to redefine agricultural practices so that they are more environmentally resilient, economically viable, and socially inclusive.

A major milestone in this transformation is the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation 2024–2033, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in partnership with the Intersectoral Forum on Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity. This strategy seeks to embed agroecological principles across national policy and practice, advocating for biodiversity enhancement, nutrient recycling, ecosystem integration, and empowerment of farming communities. By building on traditional knowledge and scientific innovation, the framework aims to bolster resilience to climate change, improve value chain viability, and enhance social equity among farmers.(Kenya News Agency)

In parallel, county governments like Nakuru are prioritizing sustainable farming practices at local levels by collaborating with research institutions and private actors to train farmers and improve climate resilience. These initiatives focus on adapting to erratic rainfall, extreme weather events, and pest pressures that increasingly define Kenyan agriculture.(Kenya News Agency)

Global partners also play a role; for example, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has been rolling out programmes to promote sustainable practices such as carbon farming, crop rotation, soil conservation, and livestock management that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil and water health. Such approaches underscore how sustainability in Kenya’s agricultural context is not only about productivity, but also about climate change mitigation and resource stewardship.(Kenya News Agency)

Despite these positive frameworks and pilot initiatives, the transition to sustainability remains uneven. Many small-scale farmers still struggle with limited access to resources such as modern technology, quality inputs, credit, and reliable markets, which constrains their ability to adopt sustainable techniques at scale. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and fragmented land holdings further compound these challenges, underscoring the need for climate-smart innovations and tailored support services.(Farmers Trend)

Another critical dimension involves the rights and agency of farmers themselves. A landmark 2025 High Court ruling affirmed the right of smallholder farmers to save and share local seeds—an important pillar of food sovereignty and resilience. This decision counters earlier legislative constraints that favoured commercial seed producers and restricted traditional practices, shifting legal and economic power back toward farming communities.(Reuters)

Organisations such as the Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Programmes (SACDEP) support grassroots efforts that integrate environmental stewardship with economic empowerment. By training farmers in sustainable agriculture principles and facilitating community resource management, these programmes aim to foster long-term livelihood stability.(newweb.sacdepkenya.org)

Nevertheless, systemic barriers persist: market access, value addition, and fair pricing remain elusive for many smallholders, and youth engagement in agriculture is dampened by limited training and financial inclusion. These socio-economic hurdles highlight that achieving sustainability is as much about policy and institutional support as it is about on-the-ground practices.(kilimokwanza.org)

In summary, Kenya’s sustainable development landscape for farmers is characterized by progressive policy innovation and emerging practices that align with global sustainability goals, yet is tempered by practical constraints that require continued investment, inclusive governance, and targeted support to ensure that all farmers can thrive in an equitable and resilient agricultural future.