Agroecology Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Abstract

Vihiga is a densely populated county in western Kenya (1047 persons/sq.km) with a peri-urban agriculture landscape and limited land carrying capacity. Sustainable agriculture and Agri-food systems using agroecology principles, is hence critical for reducing pressure on land and natural resources especially soil, while curbing loss of biodiversity. Due to lack of policy guidelines on intersectoral linkages between regenerative agriculture, food systems and the environment, both biodiversity and livelihood of people within the county and the entire region is compromised. The objective of this study is therefore to contribute towards transformation of local food systems through an Agroecology policy action, for enabling small-scale producers to strengthen their practices of regenerative agriculture. Deployment of context-specific technologies is hereby proposed for Agroecology principles (FAO, 2018) to be mainstreamed in line-departments and sector work plans for food systems, because of their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, while emphasizing on soil health, social inclusion (equity), better access to knowledge and support services. Using interdependent processes of evidence-based policy (EBP) multi-stakeholder engagement according to Weiss’s typology and review of similar policies in existence, ten (10) broad policy strategies on Agroecology were identified for local adaptation. The resulting policy initiative provides a roadmap for sustainable agriculture, using Agroecology approaches in both crop and livestock production, that was traditionally practiced through default by farmers. Further, with co-creation of existing knowledge, agroecological production systems are promoted by use of digital technology to attract youth and women with limited access to arable land, for a wider community and multi-sectoral participation.