JICA Ex-Participants Alumni of Kenya (JEPAK)

Annual National Conference on Enhancing Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security in

Kenya

Held at Pan Afric Hotel on 2oth of November, 2014

Conference Proceedings And Recommendations

JEPAK Secretariat

PO Box 50572 – 00200 Nairobi. Tel No: 020 – 724121-4

Rapporteurs:

Beacons Training & Consultants PO Box 2457 – 01000, Thika.Cell Phone No: +254 724 833603

All Participants

II

Table of Contents

Table of Contents .……………….………………………….………………………………..………….…… II

Foreword by the Patron …………………………………………………….……………………..……… III

Abbreviations ..…………………….……………………….……………………………..…………………… IV

Welcome Remarks by the Chairman ……………………………………………….…………………..… 1

Address by JICA Chief Representative ………………………………………………………………..… 1

Official Opening Remarks ……………………………………………………………………..….…………. 4

Policy interventions to address Food Security in Kenya ……………….……………….…..…….. 6

The Role of Agriculture in addressing Food and Nutrition Security ………………..…….…… 7

The Role of Biotechnology in addressing Food and Nutrition Security ………..………….…. 9

Mitigation Measures in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) …….……………..……….….……11

Challenges to achieving Food and Nutrition Security ……..………………………………..….… 13

Importance of NERICA in addressing Food and Nutrition Security ………………..…….….14

Way Forward and Recommendations …………………………………….…………………..…….…. 15

Pictorial .………………………………………………………………….……….………………..……………. 17

Appendices:

1. List of Participants

2. Papers Presented

III

Foreword

This year’s JEPAK National Conference took place on 20th November, 2014. The theme

“Enhancing Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security in Kenya” is one that resonates well

with the present time. The subject of food; its availability, access, quality, affordability and

sustainability is a most topical concern in many circles today. It has become a daily

discourse in the media. It was, therefore, fitting for JEPAK to have chosen on this very

fundamental theme that led to some objective opinion and recommendations after

constructive dialogue by the members and stakeholders during the conference. To facilitate

this dialogue, several working papers were presented by invited speakers in areas of specific

competencies thereby forming the basis of the discussions and the resultant

recommendations by the conference. This is once again a vindication of JEPAK’s desire to

objectively contribute to the socio-economic development of this country. In attendance

were JEPAK members, invited guests and interested parties in food and nutrition. We hope

that the contents of these papers, the manner of their delivery and ensuing dialogue will

lead to positive output that can be picked up by policy shaping and making organs for

practical oriented programmes. It was very encouraging that the line ministry, (Ministry of

Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), gave some existing policy insights and officially

opened the conference promising to take up the conference’s outputs/recommendations

and factoring them in their future programmes of ensuring food and nutrition security in

the country.

JEPAK management in collaboration with other development social partners, particularly

JICA, will appreciate the contributions of all the participants. On behalf of JEPAK, I would

want to take this opportunity to thank JICA, Kenya office for their both financial and moral

support to JEPAK.

Professor Ratemo Michieka Patron, JEPAK

IV

Abbreviations

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization

GMO – Genetically Modified Organism

JEPAK – JICA Ex-Participants Alumni of Kenya

JICA – Japan International Co-operation Agency

KALRO – Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

KEBS –Kenya Bureau of Standards

KEPHIS – Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services

KEMRI – Kenya Medical Research Institute

KU – Kenyatta University

KWS – Kenya Wildlife Service

MDGs – Millennium Development Goals

NEPAD – New Partnerships for African Development

NERICA – New Rice for Africa

NFNSP – National Food and Nutrition Security Policy

TICAD – Tokyo International Co-operation on African Development

UN – United Nations

UoN – University of Nairobi

WHO – World Health Organization

1

Welcome Remarks by the JEPAK Chairman

On behalf of JEPAK, the Chairman, Mr.

Paul Wachira acknowledged and

appreciated all that had come and

welcomed all to the Conference. The

facilitative role and concern by JICA and

that of the JEPAK patron was appreciated.

Like other JEPAK Conferences, the 2014

deliberations were geared towards

JEPAK’s contribution to a national debate

on matters of socio-economic significance.

Regardless of the measure of contribution, it is hoped that such debate would spur the

desired change in society. This year’s conference theme was “Enhancing Sustainable

Food and Nutrition in Kenya.” JEPAK recognizes and appreciates the concern shown as

manifested by an encouraging good attendance by various stakeholders and interested

groups, in itself a clear testimony to the importance of this theme. JEPAK would be

looking forward to very interactive discussions by those in attendance.

Message from JICA Chief Representative

JICA’s Chief Representative, Mr. Hideo

Eguchi acknowledged and appreciated

the efforts by JEPAK in the

arrangements to hold this Conference.

He was also thankful for the continuous

support by the management to develop

and maintain JEPAK activities. He

expressed JICA’s sincere pleasure in the

manner in which JEPAK has over the

years continued to avail a forum to share rich experiences, good practices and successes

in the area of development geared towards uplifting and empowering the Kenyan

people. JEPAK has been a major point of connection between the Japanese and the

young generation desiring to work alongside the people of Japan in development

ventures. For the continuity of these efforts, there is great need for JEPAK to expand in

Mr. Paul Wachira

Mr. Hideo Eguchi

2

many areas including membership. The African Business Education Initiative

announced by Japan Prime Minister during the 5th Tokyo TICAD V is expected to play a

part in the expansion of JEPAK-JICA relationship and involvement and engagement.

This initiative is informed and founded on the need to cultivate a strong human network

between Japan and Africa. Kenya has continued to be viewed by Japan through the

efforts of the JICA office in Kenya as a most potential partner. This has been vindicated

by the number of scholarships offered to Kenyans to study in Japan amounting to almost

a third out of the entire Africa allocation. This information was highly appreciated and

applauded by the conference delegates. The Chief Representative appealed to the

delegates to be very attentive to the deliberations on this very important theme. He

recommended full and active participation and that all should take home something that

will impact a positive change where food security is concerned. He mentioned the

comprehensive nature of the National Food and Nutrition Policy of 2011, in terms of

quantity, quality, safety, early warning and emergency management. On its part, JICA

has provided technical assistance in matters of food security in both the formulation and

implementation of projects. A case in point is the National Rice Development Strategy

concerned with interventions in rehabilitation and expansion of rice schemes, research

for new rice varieties, training of counterpart staff and rice farmers’ capacity building.

Because of JEPAK’s exposure to wide knowledge and skills, some of which have been

learned in Japan coupled by a policy space and vibrant energy, there is great potential to

make significant contribution in Nation building. However, this window may not last for

long, hence the need to act now. As you do so you will no doubt discover that ACTION in

whatever field represents a force more powerful than external assistance, more powerful

than government intervention and policy documents. JEPAK can be a catalyst to unlock

the aspirations of this generation and the country’s potential. It is the future that is at

stake.

3

Keynote Address by the JEPAK Patron

In his opening remarks, the patron

Professor Michieka conveyed his

appreciation of the role that JICA has so

faithfully continued to play in promoting

JEPAK’s efforts in various areas of

national importance and concern. The

importance of food security and related

issues can be measured by the manner

and extent in which this theme is being

exposed and debated every day in the

media. One only needs to scan the papers today to see the ranging debates and write-ups

on matters of food security. He touched on the universal (International Conference on

Nutrition-ICN, Rome 1992) definition of food security; namely, sufficiency in quantity,

quality, variety, optimization of stability in flow of supplies and sustainable access to the

supplies among others. Our universities today have faculties dealing with food sciences

and technology. One major challenge in the country and the region is that of cyclical

hunger which compounded by low rates of farmer adoption of new technologies meant

to relieve food insecurity. Other challenges are small scale nature of agriculture in the

region that is predominantly rain fed reliant, poor water management systems, land

fragmentation and post-harvest losses among others. Granted, there are enough food

supplies in the world today; the problem is distribution. According to the FAO, four

major pillars of food security have been identified as; availability, access, utilization and

stability. From this conference, we need to send a clear message in form of

recommendations that would address these and other peculiar problems and challenges

for the right policies to be formulated and factored into meaningful programmes and

projects that would create a sustainable impact ensuring food security and nutritional

values in the country and the region.

Professor Michieka

4

Opening Speech by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture,

Livestock and Fisheries

Philemona Koech represented the

Cabinet Secretary Mr. Felix Koskei

for the opening address and official

opening of the conference. The Cabinet

Secretary expressed his pleasure to

preside over the official opening of this

conference consisting of JEPAK

members and invited key stakeholders.

The theme of the conference, he noted,

reflected the core function of the Ministry; that of ensuring food security for this country.

It was the ministry’s hope that the theme of the conference would generate meaningful

discussions by the participants and that JEPAK would make its contribution in that

regard in form of recommendations ensuing from those discussions. The Ministry’s

ultimate goal was to empower farmers to produce enough food for the domestic

consumption and a surplus for sale to earn an income which would improve livelihoods.

He pointed out the crucial role that agriculture continues to play in the achievement of

our national goals of guaranteeing food security, improving rural incomes, employment

creation and poverty alleviation. Ensuring food security in the country is enshrined in

article 43 (Bill of Rights) of the Kenya Constitution. The Government, working together

with development partners has designed programmes and strategies which are being

implemented under Vision 2030 Flagship projects and other Medium term and Short

term programmes to address food security and other food related initiatives. Under

Vision 2030, the First Medium Term Plan 2008-2012 focused on the expansion of

irrigation, livestock development and fisheries. In the irrigation sector, expansion of new

projects such as Galana river irrigation project, rehabilitation of existing schemes is the

main focus with a view to boosting food production and transforming low income, low

efficiency and low technology to vibrant modern agriculture sector.

The ministry has continued to appreciate JICA’s collaboration and help in the area of

rice projects in the country. Globally, rice continues to be a major food crop providing

21% of human per capita energy and 15% of protein. It is an important crop in the global

fight against hunger. Africa suffers from a wide gap between supply and demand in

Philemona Koech

5

major cereals, rice being one of them. As a result over reliance on food imports has been

the order creating a serious drain on the country’s foreign exchange earnings. For the

last seven years, the country’s annual rice imports have been valued between Kenya

shillings 3-7 billion. This inability for food sufficiency is a major constraint that calls for

urgent attention by the Government and all stakeholders. Existing local potential and

resources for production should be exploited together with sustainable strategies at all

levels for self sufficiency in food and nutrition values. He reminded the participants the

power in knowledge. Knowledge and skills, he noted were already there especially

among the JEPAK members courtesy of JICA scholarships. In the past, he noted, JEPAK

has made its fair share of contribution in community services such as medical camps as

well as recommendations that have been used to formulate and shape socio-economic

policies.

As for those JEPAK members in the Agriculture sector, much will be required of you in

the realization of the Ministry’s vision and mission of ensuring self sufficiency in food

production. Creating networks that would reach the small scale farmers with needed

information would be a key expectation. Food and Nutrition policies and strategies are

an important tool in informing agricultural development activities. This conference can

go a long way in that direction. The ministry will do all it can to support the efforts of this

conference and those of JEPAK in the accomplishment of these activities. After the

discussions as programmed in this conference, the proceedings and the way forward

should form a basis for future implementation.

The Cabinet Secretary sincerely thanked the development partners and in this regard,

JICA for their support in the much needed capacity building of our officers. The ministry

appreciated JEPAK’s management committee, the members and the stakeholders who

have continued to collaborate in developmental issues and specifically the food and

nutrition security agenda.

The Cabinet Secretary expressed his pleasure at declaring the 2014 JEPAK Annual

National Conference officially opened.

6

Policy Interventions to address Food Insecurity in Kenya

This discussion paper was presented by

Dr. Mary Mathenge, Director Tegemeo

Institute, Egerton University. The

institute is established as a policy

research centre under statute III section

31 of the Egerton University Charter.

The mandate of the institute is to

conduct research and analysis on food

security and the dissemination of the

findings through a collaborative network

of stakeholders. The mission is to

conduct pro-active research, advocacy to enhance food security and to create wealth and

sustain the environment. It has a vision of “a forever –people- free from hunger and

poverty.” The quality values guiding the institute include, integrity and transparency and

operates on the principle of teamwork, and consultation. Tegemeo Institute has a

number of activities such as research to generate and promote evidence based

information; outreach/advocacy in collaboration with stakeholders in finding

appropriate policy options; monitoring/evaluation to determine changes in the

agricultural sector and the impact created; training and capacity building in data

collection and management and policy analysis. While food and nutrition security is

evidenced by sufficient, safe and nutritious food to sustain a healthy and active life, food

insecurity is evidenced by inadequate access to food and nutrition to sustain life. Policy

interventions in food security are informed by the danger posed by food and nutrition

insecurity. Policy formulation and implementation must, therefore, be approached with

utmost seriousness. The universal key elements of food security are availability, access

and utilization. Food insecurity in Kenya is of high magnitude and of a serious nature as

shown by the following statistics:

About 10 million people in Kenya suffer from chronic food insecurity and poor nutrition

(NFNSP, 2010); at any time, there are about 2-4 million people in need of emergency

food assistance; 30% of children are undernourished while 35% of those under 5 years

are chronically undernourished and stunted; the country was in 2010 ranked 55th in

global Hunger Index of 19.8 and currently 17.3 which is serious bordering on alarming.

Dr Mary Mathenge

7

This situation is compounded by several factors, key of which are; a high population

growth, stagnating productivity, land use change (high food producing land turned into

non-food commercial ventures), land use challenges of Arid and Semi Arid areas, urban

sprawl, climate change, more food consumers than producers and the resultant situation

of more food buyers at both local and national level. Food insecurity is a major threat to

Vision 2030 in all the envisaged economic, social, and political pillars. The following are

some of the effects of food insecurity; a low productivity work force, a burden on health

and malnutrition, resources directed to food and health instead of investment and

employment, a discontented citizenly and, hence, threat to national security. The current

strategies and policies to address these anomalies are; a cabinet approval on the NFNSP

in August 2011, a frame work in place covering all dimensions of food security, broad

objectives of achieving adequate nutrition for optimum health, increasing the quantity

and quality of available food, protecting the vulnerable population using existing safety

nets and linking them to long term development. The long term measures in place are;

improving agricultural productivity through the use of modern farming methods (seeds,

breeds, fertilizers, irrigation..), reducing input costs, supporting programmes to poor

and vulnerable producers, sufficient budget allocations especially to stabilize domestic

prices, repositioning government as a regulator and not an active player in food

markets, putting in place disaster management plans, coordinating trade policies,

improving infrastructure to reduce transport costs, encouraging the concept and practice

of competitive advantage, recognizing what works best, improving early warning

information, a timely food relief distribution and an appreciation of overall proper

planning.

The Role of Agriculture in addressing Food and Nutrition Security

This paper was presented by Dr.

Catherine Kunyanga of the University of

Nairobi. She started by giving the

universal definition of food security as

“….when people have at all times

physical, economic and social access to

sufficient safe and nutritious food that

meets the dietary needs and preferences Dr Catherine Kunyanga

8

for an active and healthy life.” This situation has to be cushioned by no risk to adequacy,

availability, access and stability. Food security is a human rights issue. The 1966 UN

Convention on economic, social and cultural Rights article 11 (2:2) underlines the

following elements; freedom from hunger by improving production methods, use of

technical and scientific knowledge in food production and use, development and

utilization of natural resources and equitable global food distribution from availing

sources to deficit areas in relation to need. The food security situation in Kenya is as

follows; Kenya is ranked 29 in poor food security status, 70% of the population is net

food buyers, agriculture and food production is largely rain fed dependent (currently

experiencing a food deficit of 35 million bags from a surplus of 9 million bags in 2006),

heavily reliant on food imports, high poverty areas high in food insecurity, current

agricultural and pastoral activities can not meet food needs. Kenya currently derives 23-

25% of direct GDP from agriculture prioritizing the production of maize, wheat and

beans. There are perennial crop failure due to climate change and other related factors.

There exist structural constraints such as low investment in the sector, poor

infrastructure, low credit access, low adoption of modern technology and an absence of

green revolution. The central role of agriculture and food security in the country is borne

out by various local and international concerns as expressed by a national poverty

reduction strategy 2001, the 2004-2014 strategy for revitalizing agriculture (SRA),

Vision 2030, UN MDGs, NEPAD’s CAADP 2002, National Food Policy Paper 1994 and

NFNP. Sustainable agriculture is focused on; satisfying human food and fibre needs,

enhancing the quality of the environment, efficient use of non-renewable resources,

economic viability of farm operations and enhancing the quality of life for the farmers

and society. There are several challenges and risks to food security in Kenya and indeed

in the region. Some of these are; climate change, insufficient public investment in

extension services, credit facilities, infrastructure (transport and storage); rising energy

costs, rapid population growth, uncontrolled urban growth and a land tenure system

that constrains cost effective production. To mitigate these challenges, certain variables

can be addressed. These are; water harvesting to increase land under productive

agriculture - (FAO estimates a potential 42.5 million hectares can be brought under

production), idle labour can be utilized in off-farm economic activities, poor soils can be

improved through adoption of technology to increase yields from the current 1.3-1.4 tons

per hectare. One of the most important pillars in food security is research and the

dissemination of the findings. Yet, this is understaffed, underfunded and the linkages to

farmers not well developed. Improved research and input varieties have raised the food

9

production yields in Asia and the near East to between 70-90%, compared to about 28%

in Africa, Kenya included. Besides, regional research is not well coordinated and

promoted. The market/trade access has many barriers working unfavourably against the

African region. It is much cheaper to transport grain from the US to Mombasa (45-

48USD) than from Mombasa to Mbarara (125-140USD). Other unfavourable trade and

market barriers are poor road connectivity, market failures, a vicious circle of low

income-low purchasing power of inputs-low input application-low income. On the

whole, public support to agricultural activities is low key, which includes a low political

agenda, declining budget allocation,(5%in 1990/91) to (3.5% in 2001/2) .

Indeed, even the global agricultural support has declined from 30billion USD in 1990 to

less than 20 billion USD in 2000. In the midst of all these challenges and constraints to

food security in Kenya, there are, however, some success stories to write about. The tea

sector has put Kenya on the global producing and export market contributing 16% of the

world black tea, second in export (after Sri Lanka) and third in production (after India

and Sri Lanka). The current challenges and limitations to food security can be addressed

through several measures some of which are; stabilizing markets and agricultural prices,

increased investment in public research, infrastructure, water and extension services.

Others are introducing economic incentives to boost agricultural production, climate

change adaptation (climate- smart agriculture), climate information system for timely

forecasts and other transformative adaptations to allow diversification of livelihoods.

With time, opportunities for a food security regime are increasing. The mobile phone

availing opportunities for market access, money transfers and micro lending and other

useful information. Women rights have transformed property ownership and

contractual capacity for women. Research and development has resulted in draught

resistant seeds and genetically modified crops.

The Role of Biotechnology in addressing Food and Nutrition Security

This paper was presented by Dr. Jane Mwathi of KALRO. Dr. Mwathi started by making

it clear that biotechnology in food production has been there for a long time and not

really a new phenomenon. In this we need to shed our fears and embrace change if we

are concerned about food security in our nation. The global spread of bio-technology

crops indicates that in 2013, 18 million farmers in 27 countries planted 175.2 million

hectares (433 million acres) of various crops. In African, Kenya is among those few

10

countries that have embraced biotechnology

crops joining the list of South Africa, Nigeria,

Egypt, Uganda and Burkina Faso.

Biotechnology farming must be sufficiently

backed by research geared towards

production of clean planting materials,

disease resistance, draught resistance, and

nutritional value enhancement. The Kenyan

situation in this regard is distributed in

several research stations such as Western (Busia) for cassava, Lower Eastern (Kiboko)

for sorghum and maize, Coast (Mtwapa) for cassava, Nairobi (Kenyatta University) for

maize and sweet potatoes. There are, of course, other research crops (rice, cotton,

groundnuts, tomatoes, macadamia among others.) but the targeted ones are those of

high nutritional value, and especially the so called orphaned crops. To ensure food

security in Kenya and Africa in general, plant biotechnology innovations are at the centre

of many research laboratories. The major innovations are centered on fermentation 13%,

GMOs 13%, tissue culture 32% and molecular biology 42%. Three research centres in

Kenya have well trained personnel in these areas of research innovations. These are

KALRO dealing mainly with biotechnology and molecular biology, KU dealing with plant

transformation and UoN dealing with biotechnology and bioinformatics. Out of these

combined research efforts, better planting materials and new adaptability traits are

produced for the farmer.

In this area of research, the tissue culture has played a very major role in food security in

the Kenyan agriculture scene. Since the early 80s, tissue culture has been able to avail to

the farmers clean planting materials devoid of viral complications. The case of tissue

culture banana is considered to be a success story.

Of particular importance is the presence of African bio-fortified sorghum project in

Kenya whose goal is to alleviate deficiencies in micronutrients by adding fortified

nutrients such as vitamin A, zinc, iron and digestible proteins. The project is on trial at

an isolated field whose progress is being monitored. There are some biotechnology

research interventions in Africa whose objective is to improve on the existing varieties

for efficient and effective food production. Some of these are; maize, cassava, sweet

potatoes, Irish potatoes, banana and citrus. The end product in each of these is a disease,

Dr Jane Mwathi

11

insect pests and draught resistant breeds through Gene and Tissue culture technology.

Livestock biotechnology also plays a role in food security. Ongoing research efforts are

geared to providing vaccines and diagnostics in demand by livestock farmers and at the

same time providing information to the farmers.

For biotechnology research and outputs to be realized, a policy, legal and regulatory

regime must be in place. In this regard, there exists a National Bio-safety Authority

working through various agencies (KEPHIS, KEBS, NEMA, KWS among others) whose

role is to ensure quality and ethical issues in biotechnology are observed. However, there

exist several constraints and threats to the development of biotechnology and its use.

Some of these are; absence of a law (3%), absence of reagents (6%), infrastructure (33%),

funding (36%) and human expertise (22%). Other threats are brain drain, anti-

biotechnology activism, markets for GM products and insufficient information to the

farmers. The future development of biotechnology research in Africa can be assured by

increased regional linkages, prioritizing biotechnology research thematic areas and

programmes, a sustainable funding mechanism, strengthening human and

infrastructure capacities and efficient monitoring and evaluation mechanism among

others. Of urgent attention are public awareness regime, a sustainable capacity in

biotechnology policy, risk assessment and mitigating strategies and strengthening of the

national information system.

Mitigation measures in Arid and Semi-arid lands (ASALs)

This paper was presented by Ms Abdia

Hassan, a member of JEPAK. The

presentation was meant to examine

available mitigation measures and

strategies for improved food security and

livelihoods in the dry zones in the country.

Dry land can be defined on the basis of

water scarcity, a situation of acute and

hazardous drought spells that can evolve

over long periods of months and even

years. Various preparedness and

mitigation plans and strategies are; prediction about soil moisture, stored water, water

availability for domestic, stock and irrigation; monitoring the weather and rainfall

Ms Abdia Hassan

12

pattern, crop condition, and water availability using both ground- based information

and satellite (wide area coverage) observations. ; impact assessment on land use types,

persistence of stressed conditions, demographics, existing infrastructure and effects on

agriculture yield, public health, water quantity and quality; response on improved

drought monitoring, better water and crop management, augmentation of water

supplies with ground water, public awareness, and education, reduction in water

demand and water conservation.

As part of strategy, certain practices in the dry land have been adopted, namely, soil and

water conservation, herd management and smart solutions for climate change

adaptability. The methods in use for soil and water conservation are; dead level contour

concept (Zimbabwe), infiltration pits, low–cost rain water harvesting and storage

facilities such as rooftops, dams, storage tanks and other water containers. The dry lands

are mainly populated by pastoralists with large hers of domestic animals. It is therefore,

imperative that proper herd management methods be designed to ensure food security

as well as environmental and specifically soil conservation. Regarding dry lands, choices

of suitable crops to suit the conditions have to be made to ensure food security and

environmental conservation. Among the most suitable of the crops are sorghum, maize,

groundnuts, pumpkins, beans, watermelon, cowpea and cotton. Climate change calls for

adaptability and resilience especially more so in the dry lands. Smart solutions for

climate change have been developed and implemented. Some of these are; shade

agriculture, soil carbon sequestration, early warning system, rotational grazing and

flexible water storage options.

In conclusion, for efficient and effective land use to ensure food security, livelihoods and

environmental conservation in the ASALs, the following conclusions and

recommendations are in order; enhancement of collaboration between the government,

the communities and stakeholders in matters of land use and other related issues,

development of rain water harvesting technologies as a source of cost effective water

availability (easy to collect, store, manage and clean for human use), train the local

people to develop and implement the technologies needed.

13

Challenges to achieving Food and Nutrition

This presentation was done by Mr. Mulia

Kisingu of KEMRI. From time

immemorial, food has been God given.

Food has been defined as anything that is

edible by human beings, animals and also

used by plants for growth. On the other

hand, nutrition is the science of the

derived food values to the consumers.

Food security is according to WHO, a

function of the availability, access and use.

FAO adds stability as yet another

component of food security. The challenges of food security include; the inordinate time

spent just looking for food, referred to as agriculture-hunger-poverty nexus; the

complications in land tenure, use and soils suitability for economically viable food

production; and entrenched cultural practices determining what kind of food for who in

the family and community; low knowledge of food use and the inherent values such as

body building, energy and protective foods.

The global statistics on food and nutrition security are alarming. According to FAO, in

2011-2013 about 842 million people suffered from chronic hunger, even as about 1

billion people were suffering from overweight (2006). In China alone, 1 in every 5 people

(300,000,000million) is bordering on overweight and obesity. The major causes of

these problems, particularly the non-communicable diseases (NCD) are to be found in

the lifestyles people have chosen to live in, especially the food consumption habits. In

2011, 36 million (63%) deaths out of 57 million in the world were NCD related. The share

of the developing countries was 80% according to the 2011 WHO figures. The NCDs

share risk factors especially of obesity and smoking. Smoking accounts for 6 million

deaths annually and this figure may rise to 7.5 by 2020. Obesity on the other hand

contributed to 6.2 million deaths annually. Obesity is said to occur when 20% of the

body weight is above what is considered as ideal. This condition predisposes a person to

serious health problems that may lead to premature death. There are 4 levels of obesity,

namely; mild (BMI 30-34kg./m2), moderate (BMI 35-39kg/m2), morbid (40-49kg/m2)

and malignant 50+ kg/m2).

Mr Mulia Kisingu

14

A Chinese saying “…. whatsoever was the father of ill health, BAD diet was the mother”.

Diseases such as heart, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancers, fatty liver,

breathing problems arthritis among others are mainly products of bad eating habits.

There are however foods to prevent and manage these diseases. These are; body building

foods (meat, fish, beans, eggs, chicken, etc.), energy foods (ugali, rice, matoke, chapatti,

spaghetti etc.), and protective foods such as of fruits, vegetables, nuts, supplements and

spices. A combination of these foods (most of which are readily available) taken in the

right proportions can greatly help in nutrition and health.

Importance of NERICA in addressing Food and Nutrition Security

This paper was presented by Mr. David

Bunyata from the Ministry of Agriculture.

NERICA, New Rice for Africa is a highland

low moisture demanding and fast maturing

(90-120 days) rice variety. World wide, there

are 18 varieties, 1, 4, 10 & 11 found suitable

for Kenya. Rice as a food crop is third after

maize and wheat in Kenya today. NERICA

has, in many parts of Africa (including

Kenya) contributed to food security, poverty

alleviation, employment creation and as a

rice imports substitute crop. There exists a high potential for its development, with a current

1.3 million acres and 1 million acres of irrigated and rain fed rice respectively. Current

production of rice in Kenya stands at 129,000 metric tons against a consumption of

540,000 metric tons. Rice consumption is growing at a 12 % annually compared to 4%

wheat and 1% maize. For a sustainable rice production regime in Kenya, priority areas of

concern such as market access, policy, irrigation and water management, technology

development and dissemination, finances, quality improvement, fertilizers/chemicals and

seeds must be addressed. With the support of JICA, the ministry is currently involved in

several projects in different parts of the country, one of which is NERICA Sustainability and

Dissemination project for food security and poverty alleviation (launched 2011). Others are

Rice MAPP/SATRAP, 2013, and CADSTAL (Kerio Valley, 2005-2011). So far trials in 10

sites across the country have been done with some promising outcome in Kerio Valley,

Mr. David Bunyatta

15

Mwea, Busia, Bungoma, Kwale, Maseno and Kibos. NERICA yields about

400grains/panicle compared to 150/250 grains/panicle for other varieties in Africa and

Asia, respectively. NERICA can yield about 4-5 tons per hector under rain fed and 7 tons in

paddy conditions. Today, NERICA achievements in Kenya have been; the expansion of

NERICA in 21 counties, human capacity building through JICA support (30 outside and 450

locally), certified seed in 2012/13 (430 m/t), and mechanization (32 small mills). In

addition, and in collaboration with other partners, efforts at strengthening farmers through

creation of advocacy platforms are ongoing with evidence of success. However, some

challenges exist such as; labour demand in hand planting, weeding and bird control; weed

such as nut grass and false finger millet; sufficient seed production not in place, appropriate

machinery; low value addition; best practices information gap for the farmers and

pest/diseases control.

Conclusion, Way forward and Recommendations

The following way-forward and recommendations are a combination of the many quality

papers presented and the ensuing plenary discourse by the delegates. The discourse

included in varying measure, questions/answers, observations, remarks and other forms of

research and experiences. The list of recommendations is, by no means exhaustive. Among

the recommendations made for presentation to relevant bodies and institutions for action

are:

1. Developing vibrant, coherent and sustainable food and nutrition policies and

strategies in the agriculture sector.

2. Adopting a multi-disciplinary but coordinated approach to food and nutrition

security.

3. Public and private support of research that would generate and promote evidence

based information in agriculture.

4. Positioning of agriculture by the government as a key socio-economic and political

agenda, with sufficient funding, trained personnel and infrastructure.

16

5. Reduction of global and local constraining trade barriers such as tariffs and taxes

that hinder easy flow of, and access to food across the country.

6. Increasing public awareness and information about the essence and use of bio-

technology in boosting food and nutrition in the country.

7. A significant shift from the traditional rain fed dependent agriculture to other water

based and managed technologies.

8. Up-scaling government/public efforts in exploiting the locally existing potentials and

resources for food production and other socio-economic activities.

9. Encouraging and supporting the development, production and consumption of high

value food crops that are nutritious, healthy, poverty alleviating and employment

creating.

10. Choosing agricultural crops, activities and methods that are suitable for specific

environmental conditions.

11. Adoption of globally tested and locally relevant best practices in farming and food

production especially in the dry lands.

12. Reducing significantly food losses at all levels of the food chain through the adoption

of good and sustainable post harvest handling methods.

13. Increasing the use of renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass) to reduce production

and processing costs.

14. Facilitating access to credit, capital inputs and extension services to the farmers.

15. Introduction of agriculture learning in primary school.

17

18

19

20

23

Appendix 2

REMARKS BY HIDEO EGUCHI, JICA CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE JEPAK ANNUAL NATIONAL

CONFERENCE HELD AT PANAFRIC HOTEL ON THURSDAY, THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER 2014

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great pleasure for me to be here today and to

extend a warm welcome to everyone in this JEPAK Annual conference. I wish to thank the

JEPAK Secretariat as well as the JICA team for their support in organizing this meeting.

I would also like to thank the speakers and participants form JEPAK fraternity. You have all

contributed valuable time to join us and share your rich experiences, good practices and

successes in the area of development that will uplift people in this country.

There are many success stories out there that we need to share. These stories, like the ex-

participants who tell them, are some of our most compelling assets. Those alumni and their

stories are an inspiration to the younger generation who aspire to work with the Japanese.

JICA recognizes the importance of alumni involvement and the need to expand it. It is

expected that the new ABE initiative will bring in more membership. The African Business

Education initiative was announced by the Japanese Prime Minister at the 5th Tokyo

International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) held in Yokohama, Japan in

2013.

This initiative is informed by the need for human resource development in both private and

public sectors in Africa to cultivate a strong human network between Japan and Africa.

JICA recognizes the vibrant work of JEPAK members, both men and women. We know

your exchanges in this forum will offer many fruitful opportunities for you to learn and

benefit from one another’s experiences.

The theme of this year’s Annual National Conference is “Enhancing Sustainable Food and

Nutrition Security in Kenya’. Although the workshop will last only a few hours, I hope that

each of you will listen carefully, participate fully and be inspired. Learn from your

24

neighbours. Take back a new approach to make a meaningful change when you return

home.

The country has put in place measures that will ensure sustainable Food and Nutrition

security. For example, the National Food and Nutrition Policy formulated in 2011 is

comprehensive enough to cover all aspects of Food and Nutrition Security including

increasing the Quantity and Quality of Food, Food Safety, Standards and Quality Control,

Early Warning and Emergency Management.

On its part, JICA has provided technical assistance towards the same objective from

formulation to implementation. A case in point is the formulation of the National Rice

Development Strategy and subsequent interventions like rehabilitation and expansion of

rice scheme, research and trials for new rice varieties, training of counterpart staff and

capacity building for rice farmers.

My challenge to individual members of JEPAK is that, you have a wonderful opportunity in

terms of skills and knowledge, policy space and eve age-wise. You still have the energy to

apply skills learned in Japan and locally to make your contribution to nation-building.

This window of opportunity will however, not stay open for long. Now is the time to act.

As you do, you will discover that ACTION --- regardless of your field --- represents a force

more powerful than external assistance; more powerful than government intervention;

more powerful than even policy documents.

It is a force that will unlock the aspirations of your generation and the potential of your

nation. The time is now, and what’s at stake is your future.

Thank you.

25

Appendix 3

SPEECH OF CABINET SECRETARY, MR FELIX KOSKEI, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES, ON

STATE DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF JICA EX-PARTICIPANTS ALUMNI OF KENYA

(JEPAK) ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON 20TH NOVEMBER 2014, AT PANAFRIC HOTEL, NAIROBI, KENYA

Development Partners – JICA Chairman of JEPAK Organizers of the Conference and all JEPAK Members

Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to be with you today to preside over the official

opening of this important National Conference for JICA Ex-Participants Alumni of Kenya (JEPAK)

Members and invited key stakeholders. I am pleased to know that the theme of the conference is on

“Ensuring Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security.” This theme reflects the core function of my

Ministry of ensuring food security for this country. It is my hope that s embers of JEPAK you will

make your contributions towards this noble goal of making our county self-sufficient in food

production. Our ultimate goal is to empower our farmers to produce enough food for domestic

consumption and the surplus for sale to earn income which will ultimately improve livelihoods.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are aware, agriculture is the leading sector of our economy and plays a

crucial role in achieving our national goals of guaranteeing food security, increasing rural incomes,

creating employment and alleviating poverty among our people.

Ensuring food security in the country is enshrined in the Kenya Constitution (2010) as early

stipulated under article 43 on the Bill of Rights. The Government with the help of

development partners come up with programmes and strategies which are being

implemented under Vision 2030 Flagship Projects while others are being addressed as

Medium term and Short-term programmes to address food security and many more other

Agricultural initiative just to mention a few.

26

In our Vision 2030, First Medium Term Plan 2008 – 2012, the Government through the

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries aimed at expanding the area under

Irrigation, Livestock Development and Fisheries. The current focus is on the expansion of

irrigation areas though opening up new projects such as the Galana River Irrigation Project

rehabilitation of existing irrigations schemes. This will boost potential for food production

and transform our agriculture from a low income, low efficiency and low technology sector

to a vibrant modern agriculture sector. I urge you as our stakeholders and development

partners to take advantage of this provision to extensively promote food production and so

that the country can meet its domestic and external demands.

Ladies and Gentlemen, knowledge is power and training which you have received as a JEPAK

member is very valuable in contributing toward the development of the Agriculture Sector among

others. I have learnt that you as the Japan Ex-Participants Alumni of Kenya (JEPAK) is an association

made up of diverse professionals who are beneficiaries of training in Japan through JICA. With

support from JICA, I have been made aware that you as members have engaged yourselves in a

number of community activities throughout the year. Some of you achievements were as follows: -

Medical Camp: JEPAK offered a free medical camp in the slum area near Wilson

Airport, Nairobi in March 2012 and 2013. I have been made aware that a medical team

comprising of JPEAK members boosted by Kenyatta National Hospital medics was at

hand to attend to the community.

In another occasion I am glad to learn that in the past you have offered lectures where

the JEPAK members held a symposium titled “The Future of the Boy Child” in Nairobi,

in November 2012. The event focused on various issues surrounding Kenyan boys and

young men. Why not for girls? Many Kenyan children face a lot of difficulties. Lots of

targeted support for the girls has been intensified from a gender point of view.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my Ministry has various sources of food contributors which include

maize, wheat, rice and livestock products which play a key role. For example rice has had a

lot of support by JICA. Rice has been identified as one of the most important food crops

providing 21% of global human per capita energy and 15% of per capita protein. It is

therefore an important crop in the global fight against hunger. The continent of Africa has

been experiencing a wide gap between supply and demand of major cereals; rice being one

27

of them. The same situation applied to the East African region and our country as well. This

has resulted in over-reliance on imports which have been a major drain on the country’s

foreign exchange earnings. Over the last seven years, the country’s annual rice imports have

been valued between Kshs.3 – 7 billion.

Africa’s inability to be self-sufficient in rice production is indicative of the presence of major

constraints in the industry that require urgent attention. This calls for concerted efforts by

Government and all stakeholders to address this trend of over-reliance on imports. The

existing local potential and resources for production should be exploited with sustainable

strategies at all levels so that the goal of self-sufficiency in food and nutrition can be

achieved.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as JEPAK members, especially who are in the Agriculture Sector, will make

positive contribution in addressing food production. You are indeed the cornerstone in working

towards the realization of my Ministry’s vision and Mission of ensuring self-sufficiency in food

production. You, as members in the agriculture sector, also play the role of sourcing, development

and dissemination of new technologies, particularly to small scale farmers, who form the majority of

the farming community. I urge you to put more effort in networking amongst the various

professionals in order to achieve the theme of this conference which I have already stated.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I take this chance once more to re-emphasize that concerted efforts are needed

towards achieving self-sufficiency in food and nutrition for our people. Food and nutrition policies

and strategies are an important tool in guiding agricultural development activities and I believe that

the outcome of this conference will be a sound and realistic way forward to making the JEPAK realize

the stated overall objective of raising awareness among Kenyans of the extent of food and nutrition

insecurity and harnessing the expertise of the JEPAK members to address this challenge. My office

will as much as possible support the efforts of the JEPAK in accomplishing their role in the

implementation of the stated activities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the expectation of this conference is to deliberate on the issues as laid down in

the schedule which include: -

Policy intervention by the government to address the food crises,

The role of agriculture in addressing food and nutrition security,

Biotechnology in addressing food security and nutrition security,

28

Mitigation measures in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs),

Importance of NERICA rice in addressing food security,

Role of insurance in addressing food security and

Finally the challenges to achieving food and nutrition security.

After the deliberation I believe conference proceedings on the way forward will be put by the

secretariat for future implementation.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank our development partners

especially Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) for the support they offered especially in

capacity building for our officers. I also appreciate the participation of JEPAK members and all other

stakeholders who have participated and I know this is still to continue.

It is now my pleasure to declare this Conference officially opened.

Thank you and God bless you all.

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59