Not long ago, the world marked World Food Day on October 16. Typically, this day passed by without much thought for me. However, this year, my perspective shifted as I decided to celebrate the unsung heroes behind our food—the farmers.
The catalyst for this newfound appreciation is my husband, who has recently taken up farming with a level of commitment that goes beyond the casual venture we often encounter.
We have all known someone who dabbles in agriculture with only a fraction of their heart, perhaps investing resources but farming through a mobile device, indirectly and with uncertain success.
Farming, as I have come to realise, demands more than just resources; it requires passion, resilience and an acknowledgement that failures are not just probable but at times inevitable.
The impact of this realisation hit me even harder this time, driven by a growing awareness of toxins in our food supply. The significance of organic food has become paramount for my family, especially considering my younger brother's battle with a non-communicable chronic disease.
For the past eight years, his diet has been deliberately healthy, organic and intentional—an influence that has undeniably rubbed off on me. However, acquiring organic food in our country is far from straightforward.
Many of us conscientiously support local farmers by shopping in markets, unaware that some use toxic chemicals in the production process. I've found myself scrutinising onions differently after learning to distinguish between those naturally dried by the sun and those treated with chemicals.
Kenya, unfortunately, grapples with a pressing issue—the rampant abuse of pesticides. The surge in imported pesticide chemicals from 6,400 tonnes to 15,600 tonnes between 2015 and 2018 is indicative of the alarming escalation.
Currently, 247 active ingredients are registered for horticultural use in Kenya, with fungicide mancozeb, insecticide chlorpyrifos and herbicide glyphosate standing out as the most problematic due to their high toxicity and widespread use. Urgent action is imperative to curb their usage and explore alternative, safer solutions.
Addressing the challenges posed by highly hazardous pesticides necessitates a strategic shift towards sustainable pest control measures and holistic farming techniques.
Kenya must champion the promotion of effective biocontrol methods, reduce prices of biopesticides, and prioritise agroecological farming strategies. These steps are pivotal for fostering a safer and more sustainable agricultural sector.
In essence, our celebration of World Food Day should extend beyond mere acknowledgement. It should serve as a rallying call for a paradigm shift in agricultural practices—towards methods that not only ensure food security but also safeguard the health of consumers and the environment. The time for change is now.
Political analyst
