Nairobi: The organic inputs sector comprising bio-fertilisers, organic pesticides, and related products is a key lever for economic growth and improving the sustainability and resilience of Kenya's food systems. The current global shift toward sustainable agriculture has accelerated the demand for organic inputs, driven by concerns over soil health, climate change, and food safety. In comparison to other African countries, the organic fertiliser sub-sector in Kenya is fairly advanced.
According to Kenya News Agency, there is a pressing need to create a more enabling business environment for the organic input sector in the country. The policy brief titled 'Cultivating an Enabling Business Environment for Organic Inputs Sector in Kenya' states that the organic inputs sector faces significant challenges that hinder growth, innovation, and adaptation of more sustainable farming practices.
The policy brief highlights the sector's role as a key driver for economic growth and improved sustainability, yet businesses encounter numerous challenges, including licensing and certification hurdles, high costs, regulatory and standard-related barriers, and lack of policy support. These issues create an unfavorable business environment, making it difficult for organic input companies, particularly SMEs, to bring innovative products to the Kenyan market and gain access to international markets.
Agriculture Engineering Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Eng. Laban Kiplagat, emphasized that Kenya's Agriculture policy on organic inputs has evolved to prioritize sustainable farming practices. In a speech read on his behalf by the Director Policy Unit, State Department for Agriculture, Peter Owoko, Kiplagat highlighted the benefits of organic fertilizers and biopesticides in enhancing soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving farming systems' resilience to climate change.
Eng. Kiplagat urged stakeholders in the organic inputs sector to take action as suggested in the policy brief, while reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to supporting the sustainable use of organic inputs to boost productivity, food, and nutritional security.
ISFAA Coordinator Dr. Martin Oulu stated that the policy brief aims to inform and influence decision-makers in creating an enabling business environment for the organic inputs sector and support agroecological transitions. Addressing the challenges highlighted in the brief will encourage innovation and farmer adoption of organic inputs, strengthening Kenya's position as a regional leader in organic agricultural inputs.
Dr. Oulu remarked that enhancing the business environment aligns with key national policies and strategies, including the National Agroecology for Food System Transformation Strategy, 2024-2033. The policy brief synthesized findings from stakeholder consultations conducted by ISFAA's Private sector, Markets, and Consumers thematic working group with funding support from Biovision Foundation.
The surveyed companies, members of the Integrated Biopesticides Manufacturers Association of Kenya (IBMA-Kenya) and the Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK), reported challenges like extended waiting periods for product registration, high certification costs, and substantial expenses for Environmental Impact Assessments. The brief recommends streamlining certification processes, reducing costs, and equipping regulatory personnel with specialized knowledge on organic agriculture.