Global agricultural bodies marked this year’s World Food Day under the theme: ‘Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better future,’ emphasizing the essential human right to access nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food by showcasing various agricultural products; where the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) participated in both local and international events.
KENAFF played an active role in the 2024 World Food Day celebrations, contributing to this global event dedicated to raising awareness about food security and sustainable agricultural practices where the KENAFF Young department was represented by Ms. Valarie Otieno at the 2024 World Food Forum (WFF), held from October 14th to 18th at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The forum’s theme, ‘Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow,’ focused on transforming global agrifood systems. It brought together stakeholders, including youth, farmers, policymakers, scientists, and investors, to promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusive food systems.
Through her engagement, KENAFF highlighted the critical need to support farmers, encourage the adoption of innovative farming methods, and promote sustainable food systems for a more resilient future. The Federation’s involvement reaffirmed her dedication to advancing agricultural development and securing food access for all.
Speaking during the panel discussion, at the United Nations Decade of family Farming (2019–2028) Global Forum, Ms. Otieno emphasized on the importance of investing on youth in family farming. She addressed the challenges faced by young farmers, including limited access to finance, land, and skills, as well as the high cost of inputs and youth profiling. Ms. Otieno further highlighted that the youth, who make up a significant portion of the population, are well-positioned to tackle global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and unemployment. She remarked, “Youth are creative, energetic, flexible, and adaptable, making them key drivers of change.” She further stressed their desire to contribute to food security, economic development, and sustainable agricultural practices.
KENAFF Young plays a pivotal role in supporting young farmers through capacity-building initiatives, leadership development programs, webinars, peer-to-peer learning, exchange programs, and economic empowerment. However, Ms. Otieno noted that further support is needed for capacity development, agricultural education, and fostering innovation. She called for the continuation of youth-focused programs like the WFO Gymnasium and greater involvement of young people in policymaking processes.
The key components of the 2024 World Food Forum included: Global Youth Action: that highlighted the role of youth in shaping future food systems through policy engagement and innovation, Science and Innovation: that explored new agricultural technologies, including gene editing, to address global food challenges; and hand-in-hand investment: that encourages partnerships for sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.
The forum focused on the importance of providing access to nutritious and affordable diets. It also underscored the critical role of family farming and intergenerational collaboration in achieving food security and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Locally, KENAFF Young Programme Officers conducted a capacity building event at Dacha’s Farm in Kitengela, Kajiado County with YPARD being the organizers. The event highlighted the significance of promoting food security to ensure the well-being and dignity of all individuals.
In Siaya County, Bondo Sub County, Masita, KENAFF farmers exhibited their products, with Hon. Sylvester Kokoth, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture (CECM), urging farmers to focus on agribusiness and diversify their agricultural activities to enhance food production.
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KENAFF calls upon all relevant stakeholders, members
and individuals to take action towards promoting access to nutritious,
affordable and sustainable practices to achieve food security.