| dc.description.abstract | Vihiga is a densely populated county in western Kenya (1047 persons/sq.km) with a peri-urban agriculture
landscape and limited land carrying capacity. Sustainable agriculture and Agri-food systems using
agroecology principles, is hence critical for reducing poverty, pressure on land and natural resources
especially soil, while curbing loss of biodiversity. Due to lack of policy guidelines on agroecology, both
biodiversity and livelihood of people within the county and the entire region is compromised. The objective
of this paper is therefore to contribute towards transformation of local Agri-food systems through
participating in and informing policy processes for an Agroecology action, to enable small-scale producers
strengthen their practices of regenerative agriculture. Deployment of context-specific technologies is hereby
proposed for Agroecology principles to be mainstreamed in relevant line-departments and agriculture sector
work plans, because of their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, while emphasizing on soil health,
social inclusion (equity), better access to knowledge and support services. Using interdependent processes
of evidence-based policy (EBP) and multi-stakeholder engagement according to Weiss’s typology and
review of twelve (12) similar policies or regulations in existence, ten (10) broad policy strategies on
Agroecology are identified for local adaptation. The resulting policy initiative provides a roadmap for
sustainable agriculture, using Agroecology approaches in farming some of which have historically been
practiced through default by farmers. Further, with co-creation of existing knowledge and equity,
agroecological production systems are promoted by use of digital technology to attract youth and women
with limited access to arable land, for a wider community participation. | en_US |
