OPINION | Future of our agriculture lies in science

CGIAR April 14 2025

This op-ed by Eliud Kiplimo Kireger, Director General of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), was first published by the Nation.

With droughts, rising food imports and youth unemployment on the rise, how can Kenya chart a new agricultural path? For over 50 years, agricultural development in the country has largely depended on external aid. This support has been instrumental in building infrastructure, advancing technology, and supporting training programmes that have improved food and nutrition security across the country.

Now, the global aid landscape is shifting. Long-standing development partners are scaling back or changing direction. While this creates uncertainty, it also presents a critical opportunity for Kenya to redefine its agricultural future—by investing in science, innovation and stronger partnerships.

At the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), we believe science is the cornerstone of agricultural transformation. Our mission is to unlock the promise of Kenya’s agriculture, ensuring food security, creating jobs and driving sustainable, inclusive growth. To do so, we work with strategic partners like CGIAR, a global leader in agricultural research and innovation.

CGIAR’s new report, Insight to Impact: A decision-maker’s guide to navigating food system science, provides the clearest signal yet that actionable solutions are within reach. The report distils decades of agricultural research into practical, ready-to-use insights.

See https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/opinion-future-of-our-agriculture-lies-in-science/