CS Kagwe calls for building of knowledge–driven agriculture to boost food security

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, CS Mutahi Kagwe has called for the building of knowledge –driven agriculture to help farmers increase yields in order to boost food security in the country.

Speaking at Egerton University, Njoro in Nakuru County during the opening of the Kenya National Research Festival which kicked off this week, Kagwe called for greater investment in science, technology and innovation to secure the country’s agricultural future.

“Building a knowledge-driven agriculture will greatly rely on suitable research financings, evidence-based policymaking, and ecosystems that farmers can feel on the ground,” CS Kagwe said.

He added that research must directly benefit farmers and pastoralists particularly from arid and semi-arid lands where food insecurity in most acute.

Kagwe further urged universities and research institutions to strengthen agro ecological centres, expand laboratories, and ensure findings move beyond academic journals into farmers’ fields.

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Science, Research and Innovation PS Shaukat Abdulrazak also noted that over 80 per cent of Kenya’s fall in arid and semi-arid regions, making targeted innovation essential for food and nutrition security.

He urged counties to invest in ecological solutions and highlighted opportunities in modern tools such as nuclear science applications for nutrition and electronic beam technology to curb post-harvest losses.

The National Research Fund CEO Dickson Andala also echoed both CS and Shaukat sentiments revealing that the fund has channeled more than Ksh 700 Billion into 400 projects since its inception including 100 agriculture-focused initiatives covering crops yield improvement, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices.

He also alluded that more than 700 postgraduate students have also benefitted from the fund.

The five-day event, running under the theme, ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security’  brought together government officials, researchers, county officials, farmers and development partners for exhibitions, field demonstration and discussions aimed at transforming food system.

By Juma Ndigo

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