In a collaborative effort to address food security challenges in Kenya, the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), Pontifical Academy for Life, Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, and Bayer on Thursday joined forces to host a crucial dialogue with Kenyan farmers.
The event dubbed the ‘Roundtable of African Farmers- Kenya Chapter’ was held in Nairobi and builds upon the significant discussions held at the 1st Roundtable of African Farmers, which took place at the Pontifical Academy of Science at the Vatican in October 2023.
It served as a platform to amplify the recommendations championed by African farmers at the Vatican Roundtable.
The event sought to delve deeper, exploring the practical application of the recommendations within the specific context of Kenyan agriculture.
Eight Kenyan farmers, representing diverse regions and agricultural practices, will share their firsthand experiences.
Collaboratively, they will develop a comprehensive briefing note focusing on key areas: Promising Technologies, Barriers to Adoption, and Breaking Down Barriers.
The dialogue also fosters a crucial space for open and collaborative discussion between farmers, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
By working together, the aim is to create an enabling ecosystem for agricultural technologies to thrive in Kenya.
This will contribute significantly to a more secure and sustainable food future for the nation.
Speaking during the event, Bayer Crop Science Africa Head Debra Mallowah emphasized the significance of the roundtable of African farmers- Kenya chapter and partnerships within the sector.
“The objective of this session is not to provide solutions to the farmers, it’s about listening to the farmers and together, co-creating solutions that work, solutions that will ensure food for all and hunger for none, today and in the future," Debra said.
"Our role as Bayer is to empower the farmers to appreciate the value of science-based technologies towards achieving sustainable food security in Kenya, said Debra."
The roundtable dialogue format provided farmers a platform to not only contribute their insights but also gain valuable knowledge.
They heard real-world examples of how advanced technologies can empower their peers to address critical challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Additionally, the event provided a platform to gather feedback and suggestions from key stakeholders, fostering a collaborative spirit to tackle these challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Archdiocese of Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo lauded the stakeholders for hosting such as collaborative session and expressed the Catholic church’s commitment to supporting such initiatives towards food security.
“As the Catholic church, we are keen on matters that seek to uplift human life in a wholesome manner. It is for this reason that we are proud to be associated with the roundtable of African farmers- Kenya Chapter as all stakeholders take time to listen to recommendations aimed at ensuring that the world is food secure,” said Archbishop Anyolo.
The Cereal Growers Association, a crucial partner in the roundtable of African farmers- Kenya chapter expressed their optimism towards a food-secure future if farmers are well equipped.
“Food security is attainable, and the first step is to ensure that farmers are equipped with all the available, scientifically proven methods that they can farm sustainably and efficiently. This forum was the first of many towards attaining this,” said Anthony Kioko, CEO of the Cereal Growers Association.
This dialogue is a crucial step towards building a more secure and sustainable food future for Kenya and, potentially, serving as a model for other African nations.
The hope is to spark interest among representatives from other African countries to host their national chapters of the Roundtable, carrying the momentum forward across the continent.