Kilifi: The Intersectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA) has partnered with the Kilifi County Government to promote agroecology through the development of an agroecology policy, farmer sensitization, and plans to host the 5th Indigenous Seeds and Food Harvest Fair in 2026. ISFAA is a multi-stakeholder platform that focuses on conserving agrobiodiversity and promotes agroecology as a means to transform food systems and achieve sustainable food and nutrition security. It also serves as the secretariat for the National Technical Committee on Agroecology (NTCA).
According to Kenya News Agency, Kilifi County faces significant agri-food system challenges, including erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, and the effects of climate change. Stakeholders are increasingly turning to sustainable and locally adapted solutions, with agroecology emerging as a key approach.
During a courtesy call at the Kilifi County government offices, ISFAA Coordinator Dr. Martin Oulu announced plans to host the 2026 Indigenous Seeds and Food Fair in the county. Oulu noted that the annual event, typically held in October to coincide with World Food Day, brings together farmers, researchers, policymakers, and communities to celebrate rich indigenous seed and food culture.
The fair will showcase indigenous seeds and foods while providing a platform for knowledge exchange, seed sharing, and the promotion of indigenous crops adapted to local conditions. ‘We hold these indigenous seeds and food fairs so that communities can showcase and share their traditional seeds and foods, and so that younger generations can understand their importance and continue conserving them,’ he said.
Oulu highlighted that indigenous crops are resilient to climate change and highly nutritious, playing a critical role in improving health, especially among vulnerable populations. ‘In many cases, up to 80 to 100 percent of seeds used by small-scale farmers are indigenous. These seeds are resilient, nutritious, and well suited to our local environment,’ he said.
Previous editions of the seed fair were held in Laikipia (2025), Kisumu (2024), and Nairobi (2023 and 2022). Kilifi County has been identified as one of three priority counties to pilot the implementation of Kenya’s National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (2024-2033), alongside Murang’a and Vihiga counties.
While Murang’a and Vihiga counties have agroecology policies and legislative frameworks in place, Kilifi is yet to develop such frameworks but was selected to represent coastal regions and address unique challenges like climate change. ‘Kilifi presents a strong case study of how agroecology can help address climate and livelihood challenges in coastal regions,’ Oulu said.
The national government has adopted the National Agroecology for Food System Transformation Strategy (NAS-FST), and counties are expected to domesticate and implement it in line with their devolved agricultural mandates. The implementation of NAS-FST is coordinated by the NTCA, with Dr. Oulu serving as vice chair and ISFAA playing a key role as the secretariat.
ISFAA is working closely with counties and the Ministry of Agriculture to support the domestication of NAS-FST, including guiding counties in developing agroecology policies, laws, strategies, and action plans. Beyond showcasing seeds, the Seed Fair will serve as a platform for advocacy on seed policies and farmers’ rights.
Oulu highlighted efforts to review Kenya’s seed laws, noting a recent court ruling declared some restrictions on sharing and selling indigenous seeds unconstitutional. ‘Communities should be able to conserve, share, and sell their seeds. These are God-given resources that they have utilized and preserved over generations,’ he said.
ISFAA is part of a Multi-stakeholder Committee working on seed legal reforms, including provisions for access and benefit sharing to ensure communities benefit when their indigenous resources are commercialized. The initiative will also focus on sensitizing farmers and agricultural extension officers on agroecological practices, including using indigenous seeds, organic fertilizers, and sustainable farming methods.
‘Farmers will be trained in seed saving, storage, soil health management, and climate-resilient farming techniques aimed at improving productivity while conserving biodiversity,’ Oulu said. Community sensitization efforts will promote adopting traditional crops like indigenous vegetables and crops better suited to local conditions.
Kilifi County officials, led by County Executive Committee Member of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Blue Economy Dr. Chula Mwagona, welcomed the initiative and partnership. Mwagona emphasized the importance of collaborative platforms in driving meaningful change, underscoring the county’s commitment to hosting the Seed Fair.
‘A committee has already been formed to oversee preparations for the seed fair, with more details expected to be communicated in due course,’ Mwagona said. He noted that some agroecological practices are already being implemented in the area, providing a strong foundation for the initiative’s success.
Mwagona added that ISFAA’s engagement reflects a growing national movement to promote agroecology and protect indigenous knowledge as key pillars of Kenya’s agricultural future.
