Modeling a Sub-National Agroecology Policy for Sustainable Agriculture: The Case of Vihiga County, Kenya.

Abstract

Vihiga is a densely populated county in western Kenya (1047 persons/sq.km) with a peri-urban agriculture landscape and limited land carrying capacity. Sustainable agriculture and Agri-food systems using agroecology principles, is hence critical for reducing poverty, pressure on land and natural resources especially soil, while curbing loss of biodiversity. Due to lack of policy guidelines on agroecology, both biodiversity and livelihood of people within the county and the entire region is compromised. The objective of this paper is therefore to contribute towards transformation of local Agri-food systems through participating in and informing policy processes for an Agroecology action, to enable small-scale producers strengthen their practices of regenerative agriculture. Deployment of context-specific technologies is hereby proposed for Agroecology principles to be mainstreamed in relevant line-departments and agriculture sector work plans, because of their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, while emphasizing on soil health, social inclusion (equity), better access to knowledge and support services. Using interdependent processes of evidence-based policy (EBP) and multi-stakeholder engagement according to Weiss’s typology and review of twelve (12) similar policies or regulations in existence, ten (10) broad policy strategies on Agroecology are identified for local adaptation. The resulting policy initiative provides a roadmap for sustainable agriculture, using Agroecology approaches in farming some of which have historically been practiced through default by farmers. Further, with co-creation of existing knowledge and equity, agroecological production systems are promoted by use of digital technology to attract youth and women with limited access to arable land, for a wider community participation.