Kenya says circular agriculture taking root amid boost to climate response

NAIROBI, April 7 (Xinhua) — Adoption of farming practices that are friendly to nature has gained traction in Kenya, boosting the country’s climate resilience, food security and public health, executives said on Thursday.

Karin Boomsma, the director of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) affiliated Sustainable Inclusive Business (SIB) said that regenerative agriculture is key to hasten the attainment of carbon neutrality in the country.

“By supporting agricultural practices that are in harmony with nature, the country is better placed to tackle ecological challenges while sustaining economic growth and health of the population,” Boomsma said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

She said that Kenya’s private sector lobby has joined forces with bilateral lenders to promote circular agriculture in the country through peer learning, training of farmers, deployment of technologies and innovations.

According to Boomsma, the launch of a strategic framework to spur growth of circular farming in Kenya early this week will be a boon to regenerative farming that promises food security, climate resilience and higher incomes.

She said that by adopting circular agriculture, the country would enhance response to climatic shocks like droughts, floods, reverse land degradation and boost soil health.

According to Boomsma, regenerative farming reduces greenhouse gas emission while helping to turn waste into animal feed, organic fertilizer and biofuels.

Boomsma called for adoption of international best practices, innovative financing, public awareness and training of small-holder farmers in order to spur growth of circular agriculture in the country.

Talash Huijbers, the CEO of Insectipro, a Kenyan start-up which rears black soldier flies to produce animal feed said that circular farming has provided a clear roadmap to attain net-zero targets, food security and ecological health in Kenya.

According to Huijbers, animal feed produced from black soldier flies are affordable to local farmers, who have benefitted from improved food and nutritional security.

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