Experts have highlighted data gaps that hinder making of informed decisions in agribusiness.
Tigania West MP and Agriculture Committee at the National Assembly chairman John Mutunga said there is a need for accurate and credible data, which can be referenced to support development of the sector.
“Getting factual data in the agriculture value chain is still a challenge. We need data that can help advise on what crop and how much a region can produce," he said.
"Factual data is also key in looking at the country’s output and input investment. It also guarantees the cost of investment."
Mutunga said data that cannot be referenced is not useful.
He spoke during the launch of the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Centre on Tuesday.
The MP emphasised the critical role of credible data in shaping policy decisions for enhanced market linkages within the agricultural and livestock sector.
“Today's launch of Safic is timely, emphasising its potential to drive evidence-based decision-making and foster transformative developments across agricultural markets," Mutunga said.
Prof Simon Wagura Nderitu, the principal investigator of the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Centre, said they seek to drive sustainable agricultural growth and innovation across Africa through data-driven solutions and private sector collaboration.
He said despite the role agriculture plays in providing livelihoods and ensuring food security for millions, getting data for informed decision-making remains a challenge in the agribusiness sector.
“Safic emerges as a beacon of change, committed to co-designing evidence-based interventions that foster sustainable agricultural growth and innovation. We recognise the transformative potential of data-driven solutions in unlocking the full capacity of agriculture," Wagura said.
"Our aim is to enhance visibility and efficiency across the agricultural value chain, bridging gaps between stakeholders and facilitating informed decision-making.”
According to the Agriculture Sector Survey 2023 by the Central Bank of Kenya, it is increasingly important to ensure quality high frequency data is available to inform the food supply situation in the country.
The CBK’s Survey of the Agriculture Sector generates high frequency agriculture sector data to provide additional information to support monetary policy decisions.
The launch emphasised the critical need for multi-sectoral collaboration in bridging data gaps and providing evidence-based decision support.
Strathmore University vice chancellor Dr Vincent Ogutu said the centre will not only create value for the country but also for the continent at large.
“The launch of Safic and the AMDIG CoP represents a collective effort towards sustainable inclusive agricultural transformation," he said.
"We invite stakeholders to join us in co-developing solutions, exchanging best practices and charting a course towards resilient and innovative food systems in Africa.”
