President William Ruto has underscored the critical role of
the blue economy in promoting sustainable food production and enhancing food
security as the nation prepares for the upcoming Ocean Conference scheduled for
March next year.
Addressing a session on sustainable food production on the
sidelines of TICAD 9 in Japan, Ruto emphasised that harnessing Africa's
maritime resources is essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural
practices.
The President highlighted the need for a strategic focus on
the sustained use of marine resources, which can significantly impact food
security and value addition in the agricultural sector.
He pointed out the challenges of post-harvest losses,
particularly in fishery products, and stressed the importance of developing
cold storage facilities and improved fish landing sites to enhance value
addition capabilities.
"By investing in sustainable practices, we can mitigate
post-harvest losses and improve the livelihoods of our communities," Ruto
stated.
“The blue economy has the potential to transform our
agricultural landscape and provide greater opportunities for our youth,” he
added.
In alignment with this vision, Ruto noted Japan's commitment
to supporting youth engagement in agriculture, aiming to attract younger
generations into a sector traditionally dominated by older farmers.
The initiative seeks to empower young people with the
necessary skills and resources to thrive in agriculture and marine enterprises.
Furthermore, Ruto called for collaborative efforts among
African nations to exchange knowledge and experiences in sustainable practices.
"The blue economy meeting we are hosting in March next year in Nairobi is an opportunistic moment for us to share best practices and learn from one another, ensuring that our resources are harvested sustainably for generations to come," he urged.
