The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Murang’a County has positioned itself as Africa’s pioneer in sustainable agriculture after becoming the first on the continent to pass an agroecology policy and law.
Adopted in 2023, the legal framework has drawn global attention, with international organisations now seeking to collaborate with the county on farmer training, market integration, and food systems transformation.
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County Executive for Devolution, Kiringai Kamau, said Murang’a has proven that agroecology is more than a local experiment, noting that discussions are underway to have it recognised within the Sustainable Development Goals.
“By enacting supportive policies and working directly with farmers, Murang’a has demonstrated that agroecology can deliver food security while restoring the environment. Global players see a county ready to lead,” Kamau said.
Eight priority areas have been identified for investment, including affordable bio-inputs, farmer and youth training, cold-chain aggregation centres, digital market platforms, research and development, and stronger cooperatives.
Partners such as the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, Bio Vision, and the IKEA Foundation are among those engaging the county.
Murang’a University of Technology is offering agroecology courses up to master’s level, while demonstration farms provide hands-on learning. Civil society groups report that smallholder farmers embracing conservation practices have doubled yields and reduced dependence on costly synthetic inputs.
“This shift helps communities achieve food security while cutting long-term health and environmental risks,” said Elijah Kamau of the Institute of Culture and Ecology.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata added that agroecology is complementing food security efforts such as the distribution of high-quality maize seeds, and will strengthen Murang’a’s cash crops like avocados and mangoes. In 2024, avocado farming generated Sh4.6 billion for the county—nearly a third of Kenya’s total output.
“Murang’a is feeding its people and setting an example for Africa. With global support, we can scale up our successes and show that sustainable farming is the future,” Kang’ata said.
The county’s commitment to agroecology has enhanced productivity, boosted farmer incomes, and placed Murang’a at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable agriculture drive.
