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In a significant development, Kenya has been chosen to lead a pivotal regional body tasked with advancing agriculture to enhance livelihoods, foster sustained economic growth, and promote inclusive development across the region.
Mithika Linturi, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, was inaugurated as the Chairman of the Council of Patron Ministers for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) during a ceremony held in Nairobi on Thursday.
Addressing attendees following his installation at the third ASARECA Council of Patron Ministers meeting, Linturi underscored the organization’s commitment to catalyzing agricultural transformation and improving livelihoods. He highlighted that significant investments, totaling nearly Sh3.2 billion, have been directed towards initiatives aimed at controlling the spread of Banana Xanthomas Wilt and enhancing agricultural productivity in hotspot regions such as Ugunja in western Kenya.
Furthermore, Linturi outlined the utilization of funds in coordinating the Eastern Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (EAAPP), which has enabled Kenya to achieve the status of the Regional Centre of Excellence for Dairy. This achievement has led to the development of over 3 million doses of livestock semen, among other notable benefits.
The ASARECA Council of Patron Ministers serves as the highest organ of the association, tasked with providing guidance on regional and national strategic matters in Agricultural Research for Development. Comprising line ministers responsible for agricultural research from the 15 ASARECA Member States, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and others, the council plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s agricultural landscape.
Kenya’s assumption of the rotational Council of Patron Ministers seat from Uganda signifies the country’s commitment to driving agricultural development initiatives in the region. The theme of the third Council of Patron Ministers Meeting, “Together Transforming Agriculture for Improved Livelihoods, Sustained Economic Growth, and Inclusive Development in Eastern and Central Africa,” underscores the shared commitment of member states towards advancing agricultural transformation.
During the meeting, discussions will center on supporting ASARECA’s initiatives for agricultural transformation, sustaining economic growth, and fostering inclusive development. Key agenda items include endorsing ASARECA priorities and strategies for the period 2024-2028, reviewing the implementation of previous ministerial agreements, and approving joint communiqués on collaboration between ASARECA and international agricultural research institutions.
In addition to formal proceedings, bilateral talks between Minister Linturi and counterparts from Uganda and Somalia highlighted cooperation in vaccine distribution to combat prevalent diseases and initiatives to enhance market access for agricultural exports.
Since its establishment in 1994, ASARECA has played a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration among member states to implement Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) initiatives. With a steadfast commitment to advancing agricultural research and development, Kenya’s leadership within ASARECA signals a renewed focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic prosperity across the region.
