Nestled in the rolling hills of Murang’a County, just 50 kilometers north of Nairobi, a quiet revolution is taking root. Amidst the lush greenery and fertile soils, agroecology is reshaping not only the way food is grown but also how communities think about health, nutrition, and sustainability.
In a nation grappling with the intertwined challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, Murang’a’s embrace of agro ecology offers a beacon of hope offering a path toward better health, more nutritious food, and stronger communities.
Agro ecology, a farming practice that blends ecological principles with traditional knowledge to create a more sustainable, resilient, and healthier food system.
In the context of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), agroecology plays a crucial role in shifting diets toward more nutritious, locally produced foods. This approach also helps communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change by diversifying food sources and promoting sustainable farming practices..
Farmers like Elizabeth Njeri, 56-year-old are already benefiting from agroecology’s promise. After years of navigating the bustling corporate world in Nairobi, Njeri a mother of four made a bold decision in 2020 when she traded her business suit for a farmer’s hat and embraced a life rooted in the soil.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency (KNA) Njeri says relocating to Murang’a, she turned her passion for farming into a full-time venture, initially cultivating vegetables on her two-acre farm in the tranquil village of Kigio, Gatanga Sub County.
Two years into her farming journey, she discovered agroecology, and everything changed. By learning about organic farming practices through organizations like Kenya Organic Agriculture Network she found a new way to connect with the land.
Through agro ecology, Njeri and others in her community are not only cultivating healthier food but also fostering a sense of empowerment and unity. As they work together to promote their products and share knowledge, they are building a sustainable future one that is grounded in the health of both people and the community.
Across Kenya, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are on the rise. According to national data over 50 per cent of hospital admissions and 55 per cent of hospital deaths are caused by NCDs.
One in three deaths in Kenya is linked to these chronic diseases, a figure that has been steadily increasing since 2017. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) found that 9.4 per cent of men aged 15–54 have at least one NCD, with hypertension being the most common.
To enhance community health and nutrition by increasing access to agro ecological and organic foods while promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy lifestyles Diabetes Awareness Trust (DAT) in collaboration with Murang’a County Government, Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN), and Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya (OACK) has launched a ‘food farmacy,” initiative.
Funded by Biovision Foundation and Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Africa the initiative addresses both the prevention of diseases especially NCDs and the promotion of healthy, resilient communities.
Read More: https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/agroecology-in-muranga-improves-diets-fights-chronic-diseases/
Adapted from Kenya News Agency
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