By Shadrack Nyakoe
At the first National Agroecology Symposium held at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi, experts and farmers have called on the government to shift from chemical fertilizers and pesticides to bio-fertilizers.
They argue that the continued reliance on chemical inputs degrades soil fertility and harms the environment, urging authorities to support bio-fertilizers as a sustainable alternative.
Esther Bett, Executive Director of Resources Oriented Development Initiative (RODI), addressed attendees, emphasizing the need to restore African soils through organic matter.
“Our soils in Africa need feeding and adequate organic content,” she stated, advocating for solid and liquid bio-fertilizers that support soil health. RODI, she noted, has been training farmers to use these fertilizers and implement water conservation practices to retain moisture in their fields.”
The symposium brought together agroecology experts and farmers, allowing them to share insights and research aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
Sebastian Maina, Director of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), challenged the government to support sustainable food production methods, voicing concerns about the high costs of agrochemicals despite subsidies.
“Many farmers feel there could be more affordable ways to grow food,” he said.
Maina urged the government to explore methods that allow farmers to produce food independently, encouraging public participation and farmer-led initiatives.
Bett highlighted the success of bio-fertilizers developed by RODI, noting improved soil productivity and health.
“The bio-fertilizers act as inoculants, introducing essential bacteria, fungi, and micro-nutrients that promote soil regeneration and create an optimal environment for crops to grow,” she explained.
As experts continue to urge the government to consider bio-fertilizers, there is growing momentum for a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices that could help farmers secure long-term soil health and self-sufficiency.