How sustainable agriculture is mitigating climate change in Kenya

By Daisy Okiring

Kenya’s agriculture sector, which contributes approximately 25% of the national GDP directly and an additional 27% indirectly, is facing an unprecedented challenge due to climate change.

With 98% of agricultural activities being rain-fed, the increasing frequency of droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns threaten food security and livelihoods.

However, in the face of these climate adversities, Kenyan farmers are turning to sustainable agricultural practices to build resilience, mitigate environmental impact, and secure a more food-secure future.

The climate change challenge

Over the last five decades, Kenya has experienced rising temperatures and extreme weather events, with projections indicating that temperatures could increase by 1°C by 2020 and up to 2.3°C by 2050. These changes have led to devastating consequences, including reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and water scarcity.

According to the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation Framework (KCSAIF), the economic cost of climate change impacts on the agricultural sector could reach 3% of the GDP annually by 2030 and 5% by 2050.

Sustainable agriculture and how it impacts famers

In response to these threats, Kenyan farmers, in collaboration with national and county governments, have embraced Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), an approach designed to increase productivity, build resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the key CSA strategies being implemented include is agroforestry, a practice that is gaining traction among Kenyan farmers. Trees help in carbon sequestration, enhance soil fertility, and act as windbreakers, reducing erosion. In Murang’a and Embu counties, farmers are planting Grevillea and Calliandra trees to enhance soil conservation and provide fodder for livestock. The Kenya Forestry Service reported an increase in forest cover from 6.01% in 2000 to 7.46% in 2015, signaling progress in afforestation and agroforestry efforts.

Farmers in Murang’a County planting Grevillea trees to enhance soil conservation and combat climate change. Photo: One Acre Fund

Also communities are embracing soil and water conservation techniques.With land degradation and soil fertility decline being major concerns, sustainable soil management techniques such as terracing, mulching, and crop rotation are being widely adopted. In Machakos and Makueni counties, farmers have embraced contour farming and zai pits to conserve water and improve soil fertility. Conservation tillage, which minimizes soil disturbance, has proven to enhance water retention and prevent erosion, ensuring long-term soil health and productivity.

A farmer in Makueni County demonstrating zai pit farming, an effective soil conservation technique. Photo: PlantVillage

Also, efficient water management and irrigation systems are also significantly embraced by famers. Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands, which constitute over 80% of the country, are particularly vulnerable to prolonged droughts. To combat water scarcity, farmers are investing in rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and water recycling techniques.

A Smallholder farmer in Laikipia County using solar-powered irrigation systems to enhance crop production. Photo: Talk Africa

In Laikipia and Baringo counties, smallholder farmers have adopted solar-powered irrigation systems, reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture. The government’s push for small-scale irrigation schemes has improved water access, reducing reliance on unpredictable rainfall.

The livestock sector, which contributes 19.6% of agricultural GDP, is also undergoing transformation. Farmers are adopting climate-resilient breeds that can withstand harsh conditions, as well as improving grazing systems to prevent overgrazing and land degradation. In Kajiado and Garissa counties, pastoralists are integrating rotational grazing and fodder production to enhance livestock resilience. The introduction of biogas digesters, which convert animal waste into clean energy, is reducing reliance on firewood and mitigating methane emissions.

A pastoralist in Kajiado County practicing rotational grazing to improve livestock health and pasture conservation. Photo: UN

Government and policy support

Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Kenyan government has developed policies such as the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy (2017-2026) and the National Climate Change Action Plan (2013-2017) to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Public-private partnerships are being leveraged to provide farmers with access to climate information, financing, and technological innovations.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has also been instrumental in providing downscaled weather forecasts through SMS alerts, radio programs, and seasonal bulletins, helping farmers make informed decisions on planting and harvesting times.

Scaling up and overcoming challenges

While significant progress has been made, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, and low adoption rates still hinder the full-scale implementation of climate-smart agriculture. Increased investment in research, education, and farmer training programs is crucial to accelerating the transition to sustainable farming.

Moreover, enhancing access to climate finance, including insurance schemes that protect farmers from climate-induced losses, will be essential in safeguarding livelihoods. The Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation Framework aims to leverage global climate financing mechanisms to support these initiatives.

Kenya’s journey towards sustainable agriculture is a testament to resilience and innovation. By adopting climate-smart practices, farmers are not only mitigating the adverse effects of climate change but also paving the way for a more food-secure and prosperous future.