Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for sustainable investment at the first mile, where agricultural production begins.
Speaking during the 48th International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council in Rome, Italy the CS stressed the importance of empowering rural small-scale farmers, addressing food insecurity, and building climate resilience.
He at the same time highlighted Africa’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than 3% of global carbon emissions and called for equitable funding policies and reforms to EU deforestation regulations to ensure African nations receive adequate support.
Emphasizing Africa’s youthful population, he championed for technology-driven solutions to modernize farming and attract younger generations to the sector.
He also noted Kenya’s leadership in cooperative financing, with SACCOs playing a pivotal role in bridging funding gaps for farmers.
Kagwe also took time to reiterate Kenya’s commitment to strengthening value chains in key sectors such as coffee, tea, sugarcane, and cotton, while expanding opportunities in livestock farming.
He invited global investors to explore Kenya’s Leather Industrial Park and support the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing.
In conclusion, he urged global collaboration to improve access to farm inputs, enhance market conditions, and ensure inclusivity for all farmers.
IFAD’s 48th Governing Council is seeking to explore how to catalyse investment at the first mile.
Claire Wanja
