Trends toward a Circular Agriculture in Kenya

A substantial part of the Kenyan population still suffers from malnourishment; a sizable part of agricultural production is lost somewhere in the value chain. However, practices and innovations that help reduce losses are being adopted. For instance, left-over produce is now being stored for longer periods and later processed into dry food, animal feed, soil fertilizer, or biomass fuel.

The Kenyan weather has become very unpredictable. Drought caused by global warming has become a threat to Kenyan agriculture. The rainy seasons also bring fear among farmers due to unpredictability. Most companies have opted for responsible models by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, Agriterra, and partners Moyee Coffee, The Fairchain Foundation, Kipkelion District Cooperative Union, and Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO) have formed a consortium to develop a low-carbon coffee value-chain in Kericho. They also produce their organic fertilizer from local waste streams and provide training on the same to local farmers.

Frontrunners in circular agriculture stress that our conventional food system works against natural processes. In the long term, this leads to depletion of soils, shortages of water, and decreasing availability of arable land, which can only be countered by using more chemical fertilizers and artificial irrigation. To reverse this negative spiral, circular farmers put the forces of nature to their advantage, by abolishing monocultures, enhancing soil life, and naturally storing water. Even though the revitalization of soils can take several years, results are very promising, including for the conservation of biodiversity.

The effects of global warming have greatly affected Kenyan farmers. Long droughts combined with the erosion of fertile soils have put pressure on agricultural production. Farmers are now opting for crops that are more resilient to the changing weather conditions. For instance, Africa Wood Grow smartly chose the Mukau Tree (Melia Volkensii) for their reforestation projects, because it is a resilient species that can withstand sustained periods of drought. Also, SNV’s craft program provides technical, financial, and organizational support to increase educated climate-smart farmers, increase the quality of seeds, and yields, and improve business practice. 

The fight against malnourishment is not only a matter of agricultural output, it is also an economic issue. The frontrunners in circular agriculture not only focus on agrotechnology but also have a keen eye for both the affordability of their products and the creation of new jobs. Mama Mbogas (Mama Vegetables) play a key role in accessing food for the local communities; and with the help of Twiga Foods, Mama Mbogas are working towards achieving a sustainable future.

The shift from conventional to circular agriculture requires new insights, new approaches, and different technologies, and entrepreneurs in this field show a very high level of appreciation for innovation. The independence of vulnerable technology is seen as an advantage. Hands-on innovation can be achieved with the utilization of local skilled labor, as is the case of Naturelock, which uses a proprietary technology developed in European labs and has converted this knowledge to a production process that can be controlled locally; to preserve food.

On a global scale, the consumption of meat is a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing the animal proteins with plant or insect-based proteins contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions in the food system. Frontrunners in circular agriculture acknowledge this and strive to produce meat with fewer emissions, or develop substitute products. InsectiPro in Limuru is reputed for its efficient ways of growing Black Soldier Flies as sustainable alternatives to animal proteins. In the process, the company also addresses organic management issues, while making Africa food secure with the help of insects.

Companies focusing on circular agriculture tend to look at local production and consumption first. In a circular system, food is produced and sold locally, shortening the supply chain and reducing food losses during transport and warehousing. Fair pricing and local good decent jobs are not only possible but must be a requirement. Mara Farming has achieved this by working with small-scale farmers through a sustainable, inclusive, and nature-friendly way, serving the export market.