Kenyan farmers who have adopted agroecological farming methods have recorded an average increase of 37.8 per cent in profits, according to a new report by ActionAid International. The report, titled Transforming Food Systems in Africa: The Case for Investing in Agroecology, was released on October 16 to coincide with World Food Day. It examines research and experiences from Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, drawing on field data from Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Agroecology combines sustainable farming practices such as composting, recycling organic waste, crop rotation, intercropping and natural pest control. According to ActionAid, these methods can help farmers reduce production costs by replacing synthetic fertilisers and pesticides with locally available alternatives, including compost, recycled organic materials and natural biopesticides. By relying more on resources available on their farms, farmers can reduce their dependence on costly external inputs while improving the sustainability of their agricultural practices.
The report also highlights improvements in crop yields among Kenyan farmers who have adopted agroecological methods. In Murang’a County, farmers using these practices recorded amaranth yields that were 45 per cent higher than those of conventional growers, while kale yields were 34 per cent higher. The findings suggest that agroecology can offer economic benefits while supporting more sustainable food production, although results may vary depending on local conditions, farming techniques and the level of support available to farmers.
ActionAid International Secretary-General Arthur Larok has described agroecology as both a climate solution and a viable economic option for farmers. The report argues that heavy reliance on imported fertilisers, pesticides and commercial seeds exposes farmers and governments to fluctuating international prices and supply disruptions. It also points to environmental benefits, including improved soil health, greater biodiversity and more stable agricultural production during dry spells. However, the report acknowledges that farmers transitioning to agroecological methods may require training, technical assistance and financial support to adopt the practices successfully.
ActionAid is calling on governments to increase investment in farmer training, agroecological research and the production of locally available agricultural inputs, alongside existing fertiliser subsidy programmes. The report argues that public agricultural spending continues to favour industrial farming systems. It cites data showing that, during the 2023–2024 financial period, subsidies for largely imported fertilisers and hybrid seeds accounted for 80 per cent of Zambia’s agricultural budget and 50 per cent of Zimbabwe’s. According to ActionAid, governments need to reconsider how public resources are allocated to ensure that sustainable farming approaches receive adequate support.
The findings raise important questions about how national and county governments in Kenya can balance existing agricultural support programmes with greater investment in sustainable farming. As farmers face challenges associated with climate change, soil degradation and rising production costs, agroecology presents a potential approach to reducing input expenses while strengthening the resilience of food systems. The report calls for policies that support farmers through training, research, financing and access to locally produced inputs, arguing that increased investment in sustainable agriculture could benefit farmers, consumers and the wider economy.
