Nakuru: Experts have proposed strict implementation and enforcement of the existing land use policies to address continued land subdivision, climate change, and ageing farmer population, which they said is increasingly becoming a major threat to food security in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Egerton University VC Prof. Isaac Kibwage indicated that various studies had confirmed a worrying trend of a decrease in food production despite increasing population. He called for the speedy implementation of the land use policy that dictates agricultural land should not be subdivided to below five acres to stop uncontrolled land subdivision.
While noting that it was time to identify and protect areas where land subdivision is rife to boost food production, the VC emphasized that the practice risks Kenya’s economic growth, as agriculture is the biggest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and food security. He advocated for research-driven agricultural policies to address the emerging challenge of uncontrolled land use.
The VC made these remarks at the Njoro Main Campus during a 4K-Club revitalization forum consisting of representatives from national and county governments, academia, and agricultural industry stakeholders. The forum aimed at transforming agriculture into an attractive, technology-driven career for the youth.
Current trends in areas such as Njoro, Molo, Gilgil, Mau Narok, and Naivasha, where land-buying companies are subdividing agricultural land into plots too small for farming, have raised concerns among experts. Nakuru, known for the production of staple crops, is seeing its agricultural potential threatened by these practices.
A report by the Tegemeo Institute of Policy Research and Analysis indicates that shrinking farm sizes are impacting efforts to reduce poverty and food insecurity, especially given the limited employment opportunities outside agriculture. The report, titled ‘Emerging Land Issues in Kenyan Agriculture and Their Implications for Food Policy and Institutional Reforms in Kenya,’ highlights how rapid population growth is leading to decreased land parcel sizes in high agricultural potential areas, affecting food production.
Prof. Kibwage also emphasized the need to prepare a new generation of farmers as Kenya confronts an aging agricultural workforce. He pointed out that the average age of a Kenyan farmer is 60 years, and the youth are increasingly abandoning agriculture for urban centers, viewing farming as unattractive and financially unrewarding.
He welcomed the revival of the 4K-Club programme, aimed at introducing young people to farming by combining agriculture with science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Egerton University has been promoting 4K Clubs in schools to empower young learners with knowledge and skills in responsible crop protection and sustainable farming practices.
To support this initiative, Egerton University allocated a demonstration farm and tech hub facility to the 4K-Club initiative, coordinated by Dr. Miriam Kyule. The center introduces young minds to cutting-edge tools like agricultural drone technology and smart irrigation programming.
Deputy VC Prof. Bernard Aduda noted that practical ways of making agriculture attractive to young people are needed, including integrating agricultural training into national curriculums and using technology to maximize agriculture profits. Prof. George Muthaa highlighted that empowering youth with skills to tackle climate change challenges is essential, and enhancing 4K clubs could play a pivotal role in this effort.
