Bungoma County has launched its Agroecology Strategy, becoming one of the latest counties in Kenya to adopt a comprehensive roadmap aimed at scaling up organic food production, restoring degraded ecosystems, improving farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The strategy, developed over the last three years with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and funding from the European Union, seeks to transform the county’s agricultural sector by promoting sustainable farming practices that reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals while improving soil health, biodiversity and household food security.

Speaking during the launch at the Mabanga Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), FAO Western Region Cluster Lead Dr. Washington Adede described the event as a significant milestone in Bungoma’s journey towards sustainable agriculture.

“Together with other partners, we have worked on this Agroecology Strategy for the last three years, and today marks an important milestone because we have officially launched it,” said Dr. Adede.

He noted that FAO has committed Sh20 million towards the implementation of the strategy, with the funds already disbursed to farmer hubs across the county to kick-start community-led Agroecological initiatives.

“This strategy will help us restore our soils, protect the environment and regenerate ecosystems so that our land continues producing food while sustaining the livelihoods of our farmers,” he said.

Dr. Adede also mentioned that the strategy adopts a holistic approach by integrating crop production, livestock farming, environmental conservation and beekeeping, recognizing that sustainable food systems depend on healthy ecosystems.

“If properly implemented by the Bungoma County Government, this strategy will significantly contribute to environmental restoration while ensuring that farmers continue producing healthy food in a sustainable way,” he added.

He further revealed that FAO is implementing the BOOST Programme through which farmers receive quality farm inputs and technical support to improve productivity while embracing Agroecological farming methods.

Under the programme, FAO has established farmer hubs across Bungoma, each receiving Sh2 million to strengthen local Agroecology initiatives and environmental conservation activities.

In addition, outstanding individual farmers practicing Agroecology farming have each received Sh300, 000 to expand their enterprises and serve as demonstration farms for other producers.

Dr. Adede noted that more than five counties have so far developed and adopted Agroecology strategies, reflecting growing national recognition of sustainable agriculture as a solution to food insecurity and climate change.

Bungoma County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Herbert Kibunguchy said the strategy represents a bold commitment by the county government to promote safe, healthy and environmentally friendly food production.

He warned that the continued overuse of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers poses serious risks to human health, soil fertility and biodiversity.

“Excessive use of synthetic chemicals on our farms has become a major health hazard and has also affected important pollinators that support agricultural production,” Kibunguchy said.

He announced that Mabanga ATC will serve as the county’s flagship Agroecology learning centre where farmers, students, researchers and the community will receive practical training on organic food production and sustainable farming technologies.

“We want this centre to become a model demonstration farm where people can come and learn how food can be produced organically while conserving the environment,” he said.

Kibunguchy commended FAO and other development partners for their technical and financial support in developing the strategy.

“I appreciate FAO because they have stood with Bungoma throughout the process of developing this strategy. Anyone visiting the exhibition stands today can clearly see the range of products produced using Agroecological methods,” he added.

Bungoma County Assembly Agriculture Committee member Idd Chamawi said the county assembly has demonstrated its commitment to agricultural transformation by passing more than ten agriculture-related policies aimed at strengthening food production, improving value chains and supporting farmers.

Deputy Governor Jenipher Mbatiany reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to creating reliable markets for agricultural produce, saying market access remains a key pillar in improving farmers’ incomes.

She disclosed that the county is constructing 20 modern markets with 16 already completed, while the remaining facilities are expected to be completed before December.

“We are investing in modern markets so that our farmers have decent places to sell their produce and earn better incomes. 16 are complete, and the remaining ones will be ready before December,” she said.