Murang’a: Nestled in the rolling hills of Murang’a County, just 50 kilometers north of Nairobi, a quiet revolution is taking root. Amidst the lush greenery and fertile soils, agroecology is reshaping not only the way food is grown but also how communities think about health, nutrition, and sustainability. In a nation grappling with the intertwined challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, Murang’a’s embrace of agroecology offers a beacon of hope offering a path toward better health, more nutritious food, and stronger communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, agroecology, a farming practice that blends ecological principles with traditional knowledge, is creating a more sustainable, resilient, and healthier food system in Murang’a. This approach is crucial in shifting diets toward more nutritious, locally produced foods, which helps communities become more resilient to climate change by diversifying food sources and promoting sustainable farming practices. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has highlighted research on the growing burden of NCDs in Kenya, showing that agroecology could help bridge the gap by promoting healthier eating habits that benefit both people and the planet.
Through agroecological practices, farmers are reclaiming control over their food systems, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and potentially decreasing the prevalence of diet-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Farmers like Elizabeth Njeri, a 56-year-old former corporate worker, have embraced agroecology. After relocating to Murang’a and cultivating vegetables on her farm, she discovered agroecology and learned organic farming practices through organizations like the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network. Now, she grows and sells organic herbs and spices, providing her community with fresh, locally-grown alternatives.
Njeri is part of the Gatanga organic farmers market group, which consists of 30 members, 20 of whom are women. They focus on sustainable farming practices, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. By using natural methods for pest control and cultivating medicinal herbs, Njeri and her group are fostering a sense of empowerment and unity.
Samuel Maina, another organic farmer, has traded chemical fertilizers and pesticides for agroecology, transforming his community and their health. Maina, who coordinates a group of 24 organic farmers, practices sustainable food production and receives training from the Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya (OACK). By integrating livestock and beekeeping, Maina provides natural remedies that his customers trust.
Across Kenya, NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are on the rise. National data reveals that over 50 percent of hospital admissions and 55 percent of hospital deaths are caused by NCDs. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) found that 9.4 percent of men aged 15-54 have at least one NCD, with hypertension being the most common. In the Central region, older adults face high rates of overweight and obesity, major risk factors for NCDs.
To address these health challenges, the Diabetes Awareness Trust (DAT), in collaboration with Murang’a County Government, Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN), and OACK, has launched a “food farmacy” initiative. Funded by Biovision Foundation and Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Africa, this initiative aims to prevent diseases, especially NCDs, and promote healthy, resilient communities. The initiative promotes the concept of “food as medicine,” encouraging the consumption of safe, diverse, and nutritious foods produced through agroecological practices.
Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Devolution and External Linkages, Prof. Kiringai Kamau, emphasized the importance of food as medicine in preventing lifestyle diseases. Food farmacies will serve as hubs for nutrition advice and the distribution of locally-produced, safe foods. Kamau envisions a future where healthcare costs decrease as more people access nutritious food.
The initiative builds on Murang’a County’s leadership as the first county in Kenya to enact an Agroecology Policy and Law and to sign the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, both promoting sustainable food systems. Murang’a CECM Finance Prof. Kiarie Mwaura believes that focusing on prevention rather than treatment could reduce hospital admissions and related costs.
GODAN representative, Derrick Ngige, shared the success of a pilot project in Kangema, where 26 out of 30 Type 2 diabetes patients achieved remission. Ngige believes integrating the food farmacy with school feeding programs will support rural livelihoods and build a healthier generation.
OACK Director David Karanja highlighted the potential of promoting healthier food systems to reduce the healthcare burden at both household and national levels. By teaching local communities to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and spices, the shift to agroecology addresses health issues and strengthens local economies.
