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Women and young people in Kenya are taking the lead in promoting safer farming by adopting integrated pest management (IPM) and reducing reliance on harmful pesticides—an approach experts say is crucial for sustainable food security.
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According to Dennis Rangi, Director General for Development at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), women and youth are emerging as key players in safer agriculture. Through initiatives like PlantwisePlus, many have launched agribusinesses that guide farmers on pest control, encourage safe pesticide use, and provide inputs such as biological products, seeds, fertilisers and protective equipment.
“This not only lowers pesticide risks but also generates employment in rural areas,” Rangi said.
The Africa Food Systems Summit held this year in Dakar, Senegal, highlighted the role of young Africans in driving collaboration, innovation, and transformation of agri-food systems for more resilient value chains.
Globally, 500 million smallholder farmers produce nearly half of the world’s food, Rangi noted, but many face challenges from pesticide misuse, aflatoxin exposure and environmental contamination. He called for a One Health approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health.
However, he acknowledged that safer, low-risk products are often costly and less accessible. Farmers must also learn how to select, use and safely apply pesticides while balancing health risks and economic realities.
In July 2023, the CABI-led PlantwisePlus programme, together with the Centre for Behaviour Change and Communication (CBCC) and Nakuru County, launched the Ukulima True campaign.
The initiative targeted fruit and vegetable farmers, discouraging the use of banned chemicals, promoting PPE use, and encouraging safe spraying practices. CABI also engaged traders, elders, agrodealers and youth to spread the message more effectively.
In both Kenya and Uganda, PlantwisePlus is supporting young entrepreneurs to set up micro-businesses that offer pest management advice, pesticide application services and input supply.
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Despite these gains, experts warn that women and youth remain sidelined in agricultural decision-making and often work in poorly paid or unpaid roles with little control over resources. A recent study in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience urged governments and partners to invest in their capacity-building and ensure long-term funding.
“As food demand rises, the role of women and youth in safe and sustainable agriculture is indispensable,” Rangi stressed. “They are not just the future of farming—they are already shaping its transformation.”
