Kenya takes the lead in creating sustainable food systems during the launch of the 2030 Action Plan

Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) Kenya and other partners of the Coalition have hosted the World Soil Day Conference dubbed “Enhancing Soil Health for Sustainable Food Systems” in Nairobi.

Speaking on Tuesday during the World Soil Day Press Conference, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Crop Development and Research, Dr. Paul Ronoh, noted the government’s effort to address soil health for the transformation of Kenya’s food systems.

“I am greatly honoured to be part of this year’s World Soil Day celebrations. The 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2015 as the international year of soil, and since then, every 5th of December is celebrated as the World’s Soil Day,” said Dr. Ronoh.

Further, Dr. Ronoh emphasized the importance of improving soil health through the use of appropriate land use practices for intensifying agriculture production.

“The link between soil health and land use is strongly correlated. Improving soil health through appropriate land use practices is crucial for intensifying agriculture production, thus enhancing food security and protecting the environment,” added Dr. Ronoh.

The conference brought together more than 100 stakeholders to discuss the crucial role soil health and management play in pursuing food production that meets the nutritional needs of Kenya’s growing population.

According to AGRA Vice President for Program Delivery, Prof. Hamadi Boga, building on the momentum created through a national consultation, there are evidence-based suggestions to advance the discussion on transforming Kenya’s food system.

“We are pleased to launch the Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan 2024–2030 on this World Soil Day. Building on the momentum generated by a national consultative process, these evidence-based recommendations are a step in furthering the conversation about Kenya’s food system transformation, of which soil remains a critical element,” said Prof. Boga.

The Program Lead of FOLU Kenya, Mr. Jeremiah Rogito, said the action plan will focus on five key areas, which include healthy diets, productive and regenerative agriculture, protecting and restoring nature, food loss and waste, and youth and social inclusion.

Following the suggestions from the UN Food Systems Summit and the Kenyan government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Plan, the conference aimed to encourage soil health, biodiversity conservation, climate change awareness, youth entrepreneurship in food and land use, as well as promoting sustainable consumption and healthy diets in Kenya.