West Pokot County has taken a significant step toward transforming its agricultural sector through the development of an Agroecology Policy and Implementation Framework aimed at promoting sustainable farming, improving livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience.
The initiative, supported by BIBA Kenya in collaboration with the county government, seeks to place farmers at the center of agricultural transformation by promoting environmentally friendly practices rooted in local knowledge and experience.
Speaking during a two-day inception workshop held at hotel in Kapenguria Constituency, County Director of Agriculture, Philip Ting’aa, said the framework will guide the implementation of agroecological practices while establishing clear regulations and monitoring indicators.
“For the last two days, we have been working on developing guidelines that will support the implementation of agroecology across the county. Our goal is to ensure that farming practices promote soil health, biodiversity and environmental sustainability,” said Ting’aa.
He noted that the increasing use of inorganic inputs such as chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides has negatively impacted soil health and environment.
“We want to reverse this trend by encouraging the use of organic inputs such as compost and manure, which are readily available in our county. This will help restore soil fertility and ensure the food we produce is safe and nutritious,” he added.
He said Agroecology is also expected to play a key role in addressing climate change by promoting drought-resilient indigenous crops such as sorghum and finger millet, as well as encouraging the use of traditional seed varieties and farming knowledge.
Ting’aa noted that the removal of restrictions on seed saving and recycling will empower farmers to preserve and reuse indigenous seeds, reducing dependence on commercial seed systems.
He said the county also aims to position itself in niche markets by branding organic products such as chicken, honey, and other farm produce.
BIBA Kenya’s Anne Maina emphasized that agroecology goes beyond farming techniques, describing it as a movement that prioritizes farmers, ecosystems, and sustainable food systems.
“Agroecology is not just a set of practices, it is a movement that places farmers and their knowledge, and their ecosystems at the center of transformation. For this to succeed, implementation must be locally led, inclusive, and grounded in real community needs,” she said.
The framework development process brought together stakeholders from both state and non-state sectors, who participated in thematic working group discussions to outline practices strategies, define roles, and align on a shared vision for the county.
In his remarks, Dr.Harun Warui of Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) organization highlighted the broader significance of the process: “What we are seeing here is a model for how policy and practices can come together. Agroecology offers practical, scalable solutions, but its success depends on strong partnership and sustained support at all levels.”
West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries. Wilfred Longronyang reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable systems.
“This framework is a critical step for West Pokot. We are committed as a county to support farmers in transitioning to sustainable systems that restore our soils, protect our ecosystems, and improve livelihoods,” he said.
Longronyang expressed optimism that the initiative will not restore environmental health but also improve food security and create economic opportunities for farmers across west Pokot.
The workshop concluded with the development of a clear plan, marking a major milestone in the county’s efforts to rebuild resilient and sustainable food systems.
By Anthony Melly
