Kenya has operationalized a National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (NAS-FST) 2024-2033, positioning agroecology as a sustainable pathway for food systems transformation by ensuring food security and nutrition, climate-resilient livelihoods and social inclusion for all.
However, at the county level, where actual implementation occurs, policy development remains fragmented, with significant shortcomings in funding, legislative, institutional and county frameworks.
A study, commissioned by Biovision Africa Trust on the ‘Status and Readiness of Agroecology Policy Development in 16 Counties in Kenya ‘assessed 16 counties for their agroecological transition (CAET) and policy readiness for policy development and implementation.
The study was carried out from March to May 2025 using TAPE Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation in 16 select counties in Kenya, namely Kiambu, Nakuru, Embu, Kitui, Makueni, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, West Pokot, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyandarua and Murang’a.
The study, supported by Porticus under the project title Strengthening Agroecology Policies, Strategies, and Practices in Kenya, comes at a time when counties are seeking sustainable solutions to food security, farmer livelihoods and climate resilience.
Biovision Africa Trust Executive Director Dr. David Amudavi, while speaking during a validation workshop to disseminate the study findings in a Nairobi hotel, said that they are developing a comprehensive strategy to enhance the capacity of the counties in developing agroecology policies and strategies and aligning them to the NAS-FST 2024-2033.
Amudavi said the study aims to assess the status, readiness and challenges of agroecology policy development in selected counties in Kenya and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance policy formulation, implementation, and advocacy efforts.
He said that findings of the study indicated that a number of counties are beginning to embrace agroecology, noting that there was moderate but uneven agroecology transition and policy readiness across the 16 counties.
“Counties play a critical role in shaping agricultural policies, but their readiness to adopt and integrate agroecology into existing governance structures varies widely,” he said, adding that understanding the status and preparedness of counties is essential to identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for policy development.
He said according to the study, in terms of agroecological transition, the study found that counties in medium potential areas (Kiambu and Nakuru) exhibited the highest levels of agro ecological transition (average CAET 77 score of 5.09).
This is followed by Medium-Low potential areas (Embu, Kitui, Makueni, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, West Pokot) – (CAET score 4.93) and lastly by the High potential areas (Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyandarua and Murang’a) (Average CAET score 4.83
He said that this study is going to help the counties to see how to domesticate the national agroecology strategy and enable counties to develop one at the county level, noting that some counties including Murang’a and Vihiga counties, have already done this.
The Executive Director noted that counties are integrating sustainable agricultural practices variably into the County Integrated Plans (CIDPs) and environment-related policies; however, not from an agroecology principles lens.
He said the study also seeks to identify both the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up agroecology among smallholder farmers, noting that by reducing the reliance on synthetic agrochemicals, agroecology encourages natural pest control and the use of organic fertilizers, thereby minimizing environmental pollution and safeguarding human health.
“We have provided an opportunity for the counties that have not started to see that yes, the way to develop their own county strategy has already been provided by the guidelines that were prepared at the national level,” he said, adding that they will continue to provide other instruments, like monitoring and evaluation for the counties.
Amudavi observed that limited access to resources, technical knowledge gaps, and policy constraints often hinder widespread adoption, and understanding these barriers will be crucial in formulating effective strategies for expansion.
He noted that the study findings will contribute to a more coordinated and evidence-based approach to agroecology policy development in Kenya, ensuring that smallholder farmers, local communities including youth and women and stakeholders benefit from sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices
Some of the recommendations from the study called on counties to prioritize the development of policies to provide a roadmap for transition to agroecology, allocate specific budgets for agroecology-related projects and initiatives and also enhance market access for agroecological products, among others.
Policy Analysts at the Ministry of Agriculture, David Ombalo said that the National Agroecology Strategy should be used as a guiding framework for county-level implementation, with regular monitoring and evaluation to track progress and identify gaps.
“There is a need for greater coordination between national and county governments to ensure that agroecology policies are aligned and effectively implemented,” he said, adding that while there is a growing interest in agroecology, the transition is uneven, with some counties well on their way to integrating agroecological principles and others still in the early stages.
He said that providing concrete findings on the successes and limitations of agroecological interventions, it will help guide policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders in crafting policies that foster the adoption of agroecological principles.
“For those counties that have not developed their own county strategies and policies, the survey report can help guide in which direction they would like to manage their agriculture and food systems” he said, adding that this validation workshop is to review and validate the survey report, while providing opportunities, areas of improvement and identifying gaps among others.
Vihiga County Executive Committee Member CECM for Agriculture Julius Maruja said that his county has passed into law their National Agroecology Policy 2025, which was now being implemented.
Maruja said that the study had shown that even though Vihiga had made major strides ahead, still a lot needed to be done, based on the measure of principles, being applied in agroecology.
“As a county, we have made great strides in passing laws and policies related to agroecology, courtesy of partners, who have consistently supported us,” he said, adding that there was need to go back to the drawing board and look at areas, where they had excelled and those lagging behind.
Maruja said apart from just passing the policy, counties ought to concentrate more on other key parameters being used in the implementation of agroecology.
By Anita Omwenga
