Food Systems - Big3Africa.org

Nearly 80% of Vegetables in Kenya Contain Pesticide Residues, Study Finds

Dan Kaburu August 5, 2026

A new food safety study has found pesticide residues in 78% of vegetables sampled from Kenyan markets, with nearly one-third exceeding European Union safety limits. Researchers say simple household practices such as soaking vegetables in salty water, washing thoroughly and cooking can reduce pesticide residues by an average of 72%, while calling for stronger regulation and enforcement across the food system.

Food Systems

Sagana Dairy Farm Offers Lessons In Safer, Climate-Smart Food Production

Neville Ng'ambwa July 28, 2026

A dairy farm in Kirinyaga County is demonstrating how climate-smart agriculture can improve food safety, cut emissions and boost farm profitability. By combining solar energy, biogas, organic fertiliser and traceable milk production, Meved Dairy Farm is showing how sustainable farming practices can strengthen food security while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint.

Food Systems

Kenya Launches KSh34.1 Billion Climate Resilience Programme for Western Counties

Correspondent July 21, 2026

Kenya has launched the KSh34.1 billion Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP), an ambitious eight-year initiative aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening food security across ten western counties.

Feature Food Systems

From Farm Waste to Climate Solution: Why Biogas is Becoming Essential for Kenya’s Future

Pauline Ongaji July 21, 2026

Kenya's livestock farmers are increasingly turning farm waste into clean energy through biogas technology, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while cutting production costs. As climate change intensifies, biodigesters are proving to be a practical solution that delivers renewable energy, organic fertilizer, improved soil health and greater resilience for farmers across the country.

Food Systems

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.