Food Systems - Big3Africa.org

How The Gulf War Is Threatening Kenya’s Food Security

Correspondent July 16, 2026

Rising tensions in the Gulf are exposing Kenya's dependence on imported fertilizer, threatening food production and increasing costs for farmers. While the government says strategic fertilizer stocks remain adequate, prolonged supply disruptions could drive up production costs, reduce maize yields and place additional pressure on national food security.

Food Systems

Ancient Maya Knowledge Helps Guatemalan Farmers Cut Agrochemical Use

Correspondent June 15, 2026

Farmers in Guatemala are reviving ancient Maya agricultural knowledge to create natural biopesticides from locally available plants, reducing dependence on costly agrochemicals. The approach is improving soil health, protecting biodiversity, and helping communities build more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Food Systems

Seed Savers Push to Protect Indigenous Seeds as Kenya Revises Seed Laws

Big3Africa Desk June 12, 2026

As Kenya moves to revise its seed laws, farmers and conservation groups are advocating for stronger protection of indigenous seeds. They argue that preserving traditional crop varieties is vital for food security, climate resilience, and safeguarding farmers’ rights to save, exchange, and sell seeds.

Food Systems

Schools Turn to Permaculture Farming to Cut Costs and Improve Nutrition

Correspondent June 8, 2026

Schools across Western Kenya are transforming their compounds into productive farms through permaculture, helping reduce food costs, improve student nutrition, and provide hands-on agricultural learning. The initiative is also strengthening food security and environmental stewardship in surrounding communities.

Food Systems

Kenya’s Agri-Insurance Boom Climate Resilience

Neville Ng'ambwa May 27, 2026

Kenyan smallholder farmers are increasingly turning to crop and index-based livestock insurance as climate shocks intensify, transforming agricultural insurance into a vital climate adaptation tool.

Food Systems

Maize Aggregation Defends Against Climate-Driven Hunger and Aflatoxin

Pauline Ongaji May 26, 2026

Farmers in Laikipia are using maize aggregation, modern drying, and safer storage technologies to fight climate-driven hunger and rising aflatoxin contamination threatening food security and public health in Kenya.

Food Systems

Kenya Eyes Greener Milk Production With New Climate Financing

Correspondent May 12, 2026

Kenya has secured Sh5.4 billion (US$42 million) in climate financing to reduce methane emissions from the dairy sector through improved feeds, breeding, manure management, and animal health. The regional DaIMA programme aims to help farmers increase milk productivity while lowering emissions, positioning climate-smart dairy farming as both an environmental and economic opportunity for East Africa.

Food Systems

Climate Smart Agriculture Lessons from Rwanda

Neville Ng'ambwa April 28, 2026

Rwanda is accelerating Climate Smart Agriculture to protect farmers from climate shocks while boosting productivity. Its approach offers practical lessons for Kenya and East Africa to scale resilience, improve yields, and secure food systems.

Food Systems

The Hidden Cost of What Schools Feed Children

Pauline Ongaji April 17, 2026

Kenya’s school meals are quietly shaping more than children’s diets—they are reinforcing a globalised, ultra-processed food system with rising health and environmental costs. As schools prioritise convenience and affordability, experts warn that what children eat today could define the country’s future in nutrition, sustainability, and climate resilience.

Food Systems

Kenya Falls Short on Balanced Diet, Producing Just 3 of 7 Food Groups

Peter Ngare April 16, 2026

Kenya produces enough food to meet only three of the seven essential food groups needed for a balanced diet, according to a Nature Food study. While the country has a strong agricultural base, gaps in dietary diversity—particularly in protein, dairy, and fresh produce—underscore continued reliance on imports and the need for climate-resilient, diversified farming systems.