20/04/2026
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEM TO TAKE NEW SHAPE IN KENYA
The halls of Strathmore University Business School recently hosted a significant change in how the country sees its most important sector. The TEEBAgriFood Kenya Project held a three-day communications training, bringing together a diverse group of journalists, county government health officials, communications experts, and media practitioners from all over the country. This was more than just a technical briefing; it marked a fundamental shift in narrative. The goal was to move away from a narrow focus on agricultural yields and adopt a broader view of the true costs and implications of feeding a nation. At the center of this gathering was a challenge to the current approach to economic reporting. For years, the success of a farm or a national agricultural policy has been measured in bags per acre and GDP percentages. However, these figures often overlook the disappearing bees, the declining water tables, and the increasing rates of diet-related health issues. To address this gap, the training introduced attendees to the TEEBAgriFood framework and the True Value Accounting (TVA) method. These tools aim to reveal the "hidden" environmental, social, and health costs and benefits within our food systems. By making the unseen visible, the project seeks to ensure that the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health of our communities are treated as vital components of economic health, not as mere "externalities." It focuses on natural capital. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Agriculture and Food (TEEBAgriFood) initiative is a global program led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is based on the idea that our current food systems rely on a depleting "natural capital" that is not being replenished. The framework goes beyond the market price of a tomato or a bag of maize. It includes four types of capital in decision-making: natural capital (ecosystems and biodiversity that support pollination and pest control), human capital (the health and skills of people), social capital (the networks and cultural aspects of farming communities), and produced capital (machinery and infrastructure). By balancing these, the framework fosters evidence-based policies that reflect the true value of food systems rather than just short-term profits. During the training, Principal Investigator Jacqueline McGlade made a strong case for this change. She emphasized that the TEEBAgriFood Kenya Project is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a practical effort to recognize natural capital as a national asset. McGlade argued that treating the environment, human health, and economic development as separate areas inevitably leads to crises in one while attempting to solve issues in another. She urged the journalists present to become champions of a new national conversation. Their job, she suggested, is to share data-driven stories that show how valuation-based methods can help everyone, from local investors to high-level policymakers, grasp the delicate trade-offs and discover the valuable synergies that support long-term sustainability over short-term gains. The media's role in this shift is crucial. Rosemary Okello-Orlale, the Director of the Africa Media Hub, set a collaborative atmosphere for the sessions by stressing that journalism is the main tool for shaping Kenya's agricultural story. She recognized that while scientists and policy experts have the data, it is the media that influences public opinion and, in turn, political willingness. She guided the participants through the significant role of strategic communication, highlighting that for the True Value Accounting method to take hold, it needs to be translated from complex equations into relatable stories for everyday Kenyans. “Effective communication,” she stressed, “is essential for supporting counties as they incorporate these complicated principles into their local planning and implementation processes.” This three-day event underscored the shared understanding that evidence alone does not drive action; it requires coordination and careful framing. Journalists were encouraged to look beyond surface details and use accurate data to elevate community voices. By placing food system stories within the broader contexts of agroecology, climate change, and sustainable development, they can transform a story about a farm into a story about a future. The speakers, including technical advisors like Juliet Hinga, Justus Wanjala, and Herman, reinforced this idea by linking hard data to real experiences. They pointed out that while agriculture supports millions of livelihoods, many of its effects, such as soil degradation, a loss of biodiversity, and water pollution, remain economically invisible because they are hard to assign a monetary value. This invisibility has historically led to piecemeal solutions that tackle isolated issues, like low yields, without considering the wider impacts of chemical runoff or habitat destruction further down the value chain. The practical application of these theories is particularly evident in the project’s focus on the Mau Forest Complex and the Cherang’any Hills. These areas are Kenya's "water towers," and their health influences the agricultural productivity of the entire region. In these vital landscapes, the TEEBAgriFood Kenya Project promotes watershed management and ecosystem restoration through agroforestry and sustainable land management. One innovative outcome discussed was the Mau-Mara Natural Capital Enterprise. This program encourages farmers to abandon harmful practices by rewarding them for planting native trees and engaging in carbon farming. By generating carbon credits, these farmers can access new income opportunities, turning conservation into a viable business model. This strategy connects global climate policies directly to local soil, enhancing the ability of communities to adapt to climate challenges. The timeline for this transformation is already underway. After initial scoping work that started in 2018–2019, the initiative has entered a crucial stage. From late 2025 into early 2026, the project will work intensely with ten major counties in the Rift Valley region: Nandi, Narok, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, and West Pokot. These counties are central to Kenyan agriculture, and the success of the TEEBAgriFood approach here will serve as a model for the rest of the country. By focusing on these areas, the project aims to institutionalize sustainable land use policies that recognize the "True Value of Food" (TVA). Ultimately, the Strathmore training was a call to action for a new kind of informed reporting. The participants left with a deeper understanding that food is not just a product; it is a complex interconnection of ecological services, human labor, and cultural heritage. The journalists now have a unique opportunity to influence the transformation of Kenya’s agri-food system. By revealing the hidden costs of old methods and showcasing the significant value of a sustainable approach, they can help create a future where the economy and the environment thrive together. The journey from data to lived experience has begun. As these trained professionals return to their newsrooms and government offices, the true value of Kenya’s food is finally being recognized.
By Maureen Chesang
