The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Kenya has launched its five-year Country Programming Framework (CPF) in response to challenges such as drought, emerging pests and diseases, and epidemics that hinder the transformation of agri-food systems into resilient and sustainable ones. The CPF focuses on addressing these challenges and aims to contribute to the achievement of the 4-Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and a Better Life, as outlined in FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031.
FAO Kenya’s CPF aligns its programs with the priorities of the Government of Kenya in the agriculture sector, as reflected in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Fourth Medium Term Plan of the Kenya Vision 2030 (MTP IV). Key objectives include promoting the adoption of digital agricultural solutions, increasing access to productive resources for young people and women, and implementing climate action to build resilient food systems. The CPF is structured around two main pillars: sustainable and resilient nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems, and governance and social inclusion in agri-food systems. The implementation of the CPF is estimated to cost USD 105 million.
During the launch, the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development commended FAO for its support, particularly during the desert locust invasion, which helped protect livestock and livelihoods in the Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASALs). The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the government’s focus on increasing the incomes of small-scale farmers, pastoralists, and fisherfolk, which aligns with FAO’s CPF objectives.
Carla Mucavi, the FAO Kenya Country Representative, emphasized the need for proactive planning, coordination, and surveillance at the national and county government levels to address climate change emergencies effectively. She highlighted FAO’s efforts in building resilient food systems and addressing climate change challenges.
The CPF is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Kenya, and the UN Resident Coordinator expressed support for FAO in the implementation process. The CPF aims to strengthen policies, institutions, and investments for agrifood systems transformation, in line with the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) and the food systems transformation pathways at the national and county levels. It focuses on five key result areas: climate-smart crop, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture production systems; enhanced inclusiveness and efficiency in agri-food value chains; enhanced climate actions across agri-food systems; sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resource management; and mainstreaming inclusivity and institutional strengthening to reduce inequalities and exclusion in agri-food systems.
The launch event was attended by several government officials, including governors, principal secretaries, and representatives from various UN agencies. The FAO’s goal of agrifood system transformation aims to ensure access to healthy diets produced in sustainable and resilient ways, while promoting equitable livelihoods and restoring nature.
