Kilimambogo: Agricultural experts have urged the government to refocus food production towards organic farming, warning that chemical-intensive agriculture is fuelling lifestyle-related diseases while undermining long-term food security. Speaking at the graduation of organic agriculture students at the College of Sustainable Agriculture for Eastern Africa in Thika East Sub-County, Kiambu County, the experts stressed the urgent need for Kenya to rethink its food production methods to safeguard public health and address ongoing food shortages.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ngugi Mutuura, Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Programme (SACDEP), highlighted the dangers posed by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial ripening chemicals, which are exposing consumers to harmful substances linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers. Mutuura emphasized that current profit-driven farming practices focus on quick yields at the expense of public health.
Mutuura advocated for organic farming as a sustainable alternative that can restore soil health, improve food quality, and reduce dependence on costly chemical inputs. He argued that organic agriculture could play a crucial role in combating hunger and food crises by enhancing long-term productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
He criticized existing policies that heavily promote subsidized fertilizers and genetically modified seeds without providing equal support to organic farming. Mutuura called for the implementation of clear policies to protect organic agriculture and the proper labeling of food products to allow consumers to make informed choices.
The event’s chief guest, Dr. Annette Massman from Germany, underscored the importance of organic farming in reducing diet-related lifestyle diseases by enhancing the nutritional value of food. She encouraged young people to consider organic farming as a viable career and business opportunity, pointing out that “good health begins with what we eat.”
Massman also urged farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming solutions to address the country’s food crisis, which is exacerbated by low rainfall levels. College Principal Ruth Mukiri highlighted the lack of adequate organic agriculture training institutions in Kenya and called on private players to help bridge this gap.
Mukiri emphasized that with strong policy support, public awareness, and investment in organic value chains, the country could curb lifestyle diseases, create jobs, and enhance food security. She stated that the future of agriculture must not only feed the nation but also protect its health.
Graduates, including Meshack Mutata, expressed that their training has equipped them to promote soil conservation, safer food production, and reduced reliance on chemical inputs within their communities.
