Mudavadi says gov't to grow agriculture to Ksh.3.9 trillion in five years

Mudavadi says the smallholder farmers will be at the centre of the agricultural transformation journey.

Speaking at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Mudavadi said that the target will be achieved through input financing, digital platforms, agribusiness training, and infrastructure investments.

"We aim to raise the average incomes of 3.3 million small-scale producers by at least 35 per cent, lifting communities out of poverty and building their resilience to climate shocks," said Mudavadi.

The success of the government strategy, Mudavadi said, will depend on how they manage climate change risks, including prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, floods and soil degradation.

Mudavadi emphasised the need for an urgent response that includes setting ambitious targets in the National Climate Change Action Plan and the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation Framework.

"These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent, increasing our national tree cover to over 10 per cent, restoring degraded lands and expanding climate-smart agriculture," said Mudavadi.

The CS noted that the government was investing more in soil health, agroforestry, renewable energy, efficient rice production and sustainable land management. 

"Greater collaboration with ILRI and CGIAR, particularly in data, technology, financing and capacity, will enable us to achieve our goals. Let us engage our youth in climate-smart agribusiness, and jointly develop climate-resilient technologies and decision tools," he said.

PCS said the government was tackling systemic challenges to the growth potential of the agricultural sector, including high post-harvest losses, inadequate market linkages and rural infrastructure, and low access to affordable financing.

During a roundtable with the leadership of Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) institutions, Mudavadi pointed out that the government aimed to achieve this through input financing, digital platforms, agribusiness training, and infrastructure investments.

"This gathering of leaders, scientists, researchers, partners and stakeholders of the CGIAR institutions underlines our joint commitment to transforming agriculture and building a food secure world for all humanity," said Mudavadi.

Present in the meeting were Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development and Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General, ILRI, alongside senior government officials, and Leaders of ILRI and CGIAR Research Centres.

CS Mudavadi thanked ILRI for developing a strong partnership with the Government and the people of Kenya in the agricultural sector, public health systems and climate action agenda.

"Kenya is proud to host ILRI and other CGIAR research centres. You have established a world-class science hub that supports transformative programs in livestock genetics, vaccine development, land restoration, climate adaptation and innovative food systems that enormously contribute to the global knowledge on agriculture and food security," said Mudavadi.

He said ILRI has a long-standing collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and key institutions under the ministry, including the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Department of Veterinary Services, Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Kenya Dairy Board.