WANJAWA: Politics of hunger and how to mitigate the challenges

Food security—the availability, accessibility and affordability of sufficient food – remains a persistent challenge in Kenya.

As one of Africa’s most populous nations, Kenya illustrates the complex intersection of political, economic and social factors that infl uence a nation’s ability to feed its people.

Despite the country’s agricultural potential, millions of Kenyans face chronic hunger and malnutrition, highlighting how policy failures and systemic barriers exacerbate food insecurity.

Kenya’s population, estimated at more than 55 million in 2023, continues to grow unabated. This rapid growth increases pressure on stressed resources such as land, water and agricultural inputs.

Agriculture employs about 40 per cent of the nation’s workforce and contributes about 30 per cent to the GDP, yet the sector’s productivity remains low.

Smallholder farmers, who produce most of the country’s food, face significant challenges, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure and outdated farming techniques.

The dual challenge of climate change and resource degradation further threatens Kenya’s food systems. Recurrent droughts, unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures have reduced crop yields and livestock productivity.

Last year alone, more than 4.4 million people were affected by drought-induced food insecurity, according to the National Drought Management Authority.

The politics of food security is deeply tied to governance and policy decisions. Agricultural development and food distribution play second fiddle to other political priorities, leaving the sector underfunded and poorly managed.

For example, although the 2003 Maputo Declaration urged African nations to allocate at least 10 per cent of their annual budgets to agriculture, Kenya has consistently fallen short of this target.

Without adequate investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and farmer support, the sector struggles to meet the growing demand for food.

Corruption further complicates efforts to achieve food security. Mismanagement of public funds meant for agricultural subsidies and food relief programmes undermine trust and hampers the delivery of critical resources to those in need.

High-profile scandals, such as the bungled fertiliser subsidy programme, reveal systemic inefficiencies and a lack of accountability within government institutions. Access to arable land remains a mirage.

Historical injustices in land distribution have left many smallholder farmers with insufficient or infertile plots, limiting their capacity to produce food.

Meanwhile, large tracts of fertile land are controlled by a small elite or allocated for export-oriented crops like tea, coffee and flowers, which do little to alleviate local food insecurity.

Land access issues disproportionately affect women, who make up more than 70 per cent of Kenya’s agricultural workforce.

Cultural norms and legal barriers often prevent women from owning or inheriting land, restricting their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices.

Addressing these inequalities is crucial to unlocking the potential of women farmers, who could significantly boost food production if given equal access to resources.

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to enhance Kenya’s food security through innovation and climate-resilient practices.

The adoption of drought-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation systems and agroecological farming methods can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve yields.

Additionally, digital technologies, such as mobile-based platforms for weather forecasting and market access, enable farmers to make informed decisions and reduce post-harvest losses.

However, the adoption of these solutions requires robust support systems, including extension services and affordable financing.

Kenya’s devolved governance system, which gives county governments greater control over agricultural development, offers an opportunity to tailor interventions to local needs.

By prioritising agricultural innovation and investing in rural infrastructure, counties can create an enabling environment for smallholder farmers to thrive.

Creating sustainable food systems requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the structural and political barriers to food security.

Policymakers must prioritise inclusive frameworks that empower marginalised groups, particularly women and youth, who remain underrepresented in agricultural decision-making.

Additionally, integrating sociological insights into policy design can improve the effectiveness of interventions.

For instance, participatory approaches that involve farmers in the development of agricultural technologies and programmes can foster a sense of ownership and increase adoption rates. Ultimately, achieving food security hinges on strong political will and accountable governance.

The government must commit to increasing budgetary allocations for agriculture and ensuring that funds are utilised transparently.

Strengthening institutions such as the National Cereals and Produce Board and KALRO can streamline food distribution and support systems.

Furthermore, partnerships with the private sector, civil society and international donors can mobilise resources and expertise to address systemic gaps.

The journey toward food security is not solely a technical endeavour but a political one. It requires a paradigm shift where agriculture is viewed not just as an economic activity but as a cornerstone of national development and human well-being.

With the right investments and political commitment, Kenya can ensure that every citizen has access to nutritious, affordable and sufficient food—a fundamental human right.