The Kenya Small-Scale Farmers Alliance (KSSFA) is collaborating with the project DIVAGRI to explore innovative bio-based technologies being trialled across five African countries.
“Kenya is already a key player in the bio economy, especially in the biogas sector,” said representatives from the KSSFA. “We are eager to understand the other technologies being implemented by the project DIVAGRI in Africa and see how we can learn and grow together.”
KSSFA is an umbrella organisation that represents small-scale farmers across Kenya. Founded to empower and support smallholder farmers, it advocates for policies that enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable farming practices. Through its efforts, KSSFA promotes the welfare of farmers by providing advocacy, capacity building, and fostering collaborative networks that enable farmers to thrive economically and socially.
Speaking at the Kenyan Bio economy Conference in October 2024, co-leading a workshop with DIVAGRI, representatives from the KSSFA highlighted the growing role of small-scale farmers in Africa’s bio economy. The KSSFA stated “Across Africa, small-scale farmers are not just passive observers; they are emerging as key players in the bio economy. We’ve witnessed numerous success stories that demonstrate this transformative potential. One notable example is the adoption of biogas technology among farmers in Kenya.”
Traditionally reliant on firewood and charcoal, many Kenyan households face significant health and environmental challenges due to household air pollution. Biogas technology offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative.
At the workshop, Mr. James Wanjohi, a farmer from Murang’a County in Kenya and a member of the KSSFA, shared his experience with biogas. His innovative biogas system converts organic farm waste into renewable energy, providing a clean energy source for cooking and lighting. Additionally, the system produces nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, significantly boosting crop yields on his farm.
“Through his efforts, Mr. Wanjohi promotes environmental conservation and resource efficiency, inspiring local farmers to adopt biogas technology and contribute to a greener, self-sufficient rural community in Murang’a,” noted representatives from the KSSFA.
Kenya has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting the circular bioeconomy for small-scale farmers through initiatives such as the National Circular Economy Strategy and the Agricultural Research and Development Policy Framework. The benefits of biogas technology include clean, renewable energy, improved cooking and lighting conditions, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and nutrient-rich fertilizers for crops.
However, challenges remain. High initial investment costs, limited technical knowledge and skills, and restricted access to financing and resources hinder the widespread adoption of bio-based solutions. Addressing these barriers requires collaborative efforts, such as:
- Financial incentives from banks, including government subsidies, grants, and loans tailored for small-scale farmers.
- Technical assistance and training programs to enhance farmers’ skills
- Supportive regulatory frameworks and bio economy-friendly government policies
- Community-based initiatives and cooperative models with shared facilities.
Representatives from the KSSFA called on stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to invest in biogas development and support small-scale farmers. “By addressing these challenges, we can unlock the full potential of bio-based technologies to create sustainable, thriving rural communities,” they concluded.