Women Farmers Dominate Food Production but Lack Access to Credit
Women continue to play a central role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, producing between 60 and 80 percent of the country’s food. However, they still face major barriers to accessing financial resources and participating in decision-making structures. Researchers highlighted these disparities during a high-level forum held in Nairobi as part of International Women’s Week 2026.
Findings from researchers at the African Population and Health Research Center and the University of Nairobi showed that women receive less than 10 percent of agricultural credit and own only a small share of productive land. As a result, many women farmers struggle to invest in inputs, adopt improved technologies, and expand production, despite their dominant role in food systems.
Researchers also emphasized that women’s contributions often remain informal and undercounted, even though agriculture accounts for up to a quarter of Kenya’s GDP. Limited land ownership, lack of collateral and heavy unpaid care responsibilities continue to restrict access to credit and leadership opportunities. Evidence presented at the forum suggested that closing this gender gap could increase agricultural productivity by between 20 and 30 percent.
Participants proposed strengthening the enforcement of women’s land and inheritance rights while expanding access to gender-responsive financial services. In addition, stakeholders recommended increasing women’s representation in agricultural leadership and investing in science and technology education. They also highlighted the importance of reducing unpaid care burdens through affordable childcare and labour-saving technologies. Together, these measures could significantly improve food security, increase rural incomes and accelerate Kenya’s agricultural transformation.
Source: The Star
Pastoralists Adopt Innovative Ways to Protect Livestock from Drought
Pastoralist communities across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands are increasingly adopting innovative strategies to safeguard livestock as drought conditions become more frequent. Farmers now grow drought-tolerant fodder during the rainy season and store it as hay for use during dry periods. Consequently, they reduce dependence on natural grazing systems that often fail during prolonged droughts.
Experts say fodder production and storage are transforming how pastoralists manage feed shortages and maintain herd health under harsh conditions. In addition, communities are strengthening resilience through strategic grazing, water conservation and early livestock sales to minimise losses during severe dry spells.
Government agencies and development partners continue to support these efforts by improving access to fodder, water infrastructure and extension services. Such interventions help pastoral households adapt to changing climate conditions while protecting livelihoods that depend heavily on livestock production. Importantly, combining traditional pastoral knowledge with modern climate-smart practices is emerging as a sustainable pathway for strengthening resilience in Kenya’s dryland production systems.
Source: Nation Africa – Seeds of Gold
Fly Farming Turns Young Agripreneur into a Millionaire
A young Kenyan agripreneur is demonstrating the growing commercial potential of black soldier fly farming, an emerging enterprise that converts organic waste into high-value livestock feed. While still a university student, she ventured into insect farming and successfully scaled the business into a profitable operation, generating millions in revenue.
The enterprise focuses on rearing Black soldier fly larvae, which are processed into protein-rich feed for poultry and fish production. Because the system relies primarily on organic waste as an input, production costs remain relatively low while simultaneously addressing waste management challenges.
Rising prices for conventional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean have increased demand for alternative protein sources. As a result, insect farming continues to attract attention from livestock producers seeking affordable and sustainable feed options. Experts note that such youth-led ventures highlight the expanding role of innovation in modern agriculture and demonstrate how climate-smart enterprises can generate strong financial returns while supporting environmental sustainability.
Source: Nation Africa
Kenya Pushes Oilseed Farming to Reduce KSh 500 Billion Food Import Bill
Kenya has intensified efforts to expand oilseed farming as part of a broader strategy to reduce its annual food import bill, which currently stands at approximately Sh500 billion. The government is encouraging large-scale cultivation of crops such as sunflowers and soybeans to strengthen domestic edible oil production and reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking at the Kilimo Biashara Expo 2026 in Thika, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized the need to translate research into practical solutions that directly benefit farmers. Kenya consumes roughly 600,000 metric tonnes of edible oils annually, yet more than 90 percent of this demand is met through imports.
Through the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, authorities are promoting high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties to improve productivity and profitability, especially among young farmers. In addition, the initiative focuses on strengthening the entire value chain through improved seed systems, farmer training and expanded processing capacity. Expanding oilseed production could therefore create new income opportunities while strengthening national food security and improving the country’s balance of trade.
Source: Kilimo News
Coffee Seedling Distribution to Boost Incomes
The West Pokot County government has stepped up efforts to increase farmers’ incomes by distributing 4,200 coffee seedlings to growers in Amon Village, Mnagei Ward. The initiative targets smallholder farmers and promotes coffee farming as a high-value enterprise capable of transforming livelihoods in a region that has historically depended heavily on livestock production.
During the launch event, agriculture officials encouraged farmers to adopt coffee cultivation because of its strong market potential and ability to generate stable income. Extension officers also provided hands-on training in proper planting techniques, crop management, and seedling care to improve survival rates and long-term productivity.
The programme forms part of a broader county strategy to diversify agricultural activities and strengthen rural economies through sustainable farming systems. Experts believe that expanding coffee production in emerging regions such as West Pokot could open new income streams while integrating farmers into national and global value chains. With continued technical support and training, coffee farming could become a key driver of economic transformation across the county.
Source: Kilimo News