Finger Millet Improve Food Security in Kenya.

Kenya has selected finger millet and amaranth as strategic crops to enhance food diversity and nutrition across the country

This decision is part of a larger initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity and malnutrition while promoting sustainable farming practices. Both crops are known for their nutritional value, resilience, and ability to thrive in Kenya’s diverse and often challenging climates.

Finger millet is a drought-resistant cereal that proves especially valuable in areas with limited rainfall, where many other crops struggle to grow. Rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and fibre, finger millet contributes significantly to the health of local populations, particularly in rural communities. However, despite its health benefits, finger millet has not been widely cultivated in Kenya for many years, primarily due to the dominance of maize and other more conventional crops.

Amaranth, a fast-growing and hardy plant, is another key crop being promoted. Known for its high protein content, amaranth also provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc. These nutrients are especially beneficial for the growth and development of children and women. Amaranth can be grown in various soil types and is resilient in dry conditions, making it an excellent crop for Kenya’s varied agricultural zones.

The Kenyan government has recognised the importance of diversifying the country's food production. By encouraging the cultivation of finger millet and amaranth, the government hopes to reduce dependency on a limited range of crops, particularly maize, which is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This shift will help address the widespread issue of malnutrition in many parts of the country by providing more nutrient-dense and diverse food options for local populations.

In addition to their nutritional benefits, finger millet and amaranth hold significant economic potential. Both crops are commercially viable, and their increased cultivation could provide farmers with better income opportunities. Moreover, these crops could stimulate the local agricultural economy by creating markets for value-added products, such as flour, snacks, and other processed goods, which could be sold both domestically and internationally.

Kenya’s focus on finger millet and amaranth represents a comprehensive approach to strengthening food security, promoting healthier diets, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Through this strategy, the country is working towards a more resilient and diverse food system, ensuring better nutrition and long-term agricultural stability for the future.

These tiny pests attack the roots of crops causing significant damage to food production.

Monioluwa Omolara Olaniyi, professor and a Nematology expert at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has highlighted the growing threat plant-parasitic nematodes pose to Nigeria's agricultural sector

These tiny pests, which attack the roots of crops, are causing significant damage to food production and the livelihoods of farmers, though their impact is often underestimated.

Speaking during NOUN’s 36th inaugural lecture in Abuja, Olaniyi explained that nematodes, often hidden beneath the soil, damage crops by stunting their growth and reducing yields. Their presence also weakens plants, making them more susceptible to other diseases. The damage caused by nematodes is often confused with nutrient deficiencies or drought stress, leaving many farmers unaware of the real cause behind their declining harvests.

Olaniyi pointed out that staple crops like vegetables, cereals, legumes, and tubers are particularly vulnerable to nematode infestations. These pests not only diminish crop yields but also threaten Nigeria's overall food security. She also warned that climate change, intensive monocropping, and poor farming practices further exacerbate the problem by providing an ideal environment for nematode populations to flourish.

Drawing on decades of research, Olaniyi presented sustainable solutions for managing nematode infestations. She advocated for proper diagnosis, the use of clean planting materials, and eco-friendly pest control methods that reduce the reliance on harmful pesticides. These approaches not only help maintain environmental health but also contribute to creating more resilient and sustainable food systems, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, praised Olaniyi’s groundbreaking research, recognising its importance in bridging scientific knowledge with practical field applications. He noted that nematology offers valuable solutions to both farmers and policymakers as Nigeria works towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Olaniyi, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at NOUN, expressed her ongoing commitment to advancing research in nematology. She also emphasised the importance of mentoring young scientists and integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural resilience.

anzania's agricultural revolution: a blueprint for Africa.

Tanzania is quickly becoming a standout example of how African nations can transform their agricultural systems to achieve long-term food security and economic resilience

Speaking at the 2024 World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, President Samia Suluhu Hassan proudly announced that Tanzania has reached an exceptional 128 percent level of food self-sufficiency. This means the country now produces more than enough food to feed its population and is in a position to export the surplus to neighbouring nations.

The achievement has drawn praise from leading figures in global development. Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, credited Tanzania for igniting momentum across the continent toward a new era of agricultural transformation. He pointed to key events like the 2023 Dakar 2 Food Summit, which attracted more than US$72bn in investments, as a catalyst for Africa’s food revolution.

Tanzania’s success isn’t just about producing more—it’s also about diversifying agriculture and building inclusive rural economies. One notable example is the rise of cashew nut processing and exports, a sector that had been largely controlled by Asian markets. Tanzania is now asserting itself as a major player in this industry.

Crucial to this transformation has been rural infrastructure development, particularly bringing electricity to nearly all village communities. This access to power has enabled farmers to adopt modern tools and techniques, boosting productivity across the board.

A major driver of Tanzania’s agricultural evolution is the “Creating Jobs for Youth and Women” initiative, supported by the African Development Bank. This programme equips young people with training and access to land, encouraging them to pursue careers in agriculture. So far, more than 11,000 individuals have benefited, and the model is gaining attention from other countries looking to tap into their youthful populations.

The broader vision, highlighted during the Borlaug Dialogue, is for Africa to shift from food insecurity to becoming a net food exporter. With its vast arable land and growing number of young innovators, the continent has the potential to help feed the world—provided there’s sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.

Tanzania’s journey illustrates what’s possible when political will, strategic investment, and local empowerment come together in agriculture. Its progress sets a powerful example for other nations seeking not just to survive, but to lead in the global food economy.

New potato varieties for Kenyan farmers.

Kenyan potato farmers are getting a major boost in their long-standing fight against a destructive pest—the potato cyst nematode (PCN)

This microscopic pest attacks potato roots and can destroy up to 80% of a harvest, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. Its tiny cysts can survive in the soil for decades, making it an incredibly tough threat to eliminate. As described by Dr Danny Coyne of IITA, it’s a “silent killer” that’s often only discovered once yields have already dropped.

To help tackle this problem, two new potato varieties—Malaika and Glen—have been introduced in Kenya after more than a decade of research and collaboration. The breeding effort brought together local and international partners, including IITA, icipe, the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, CIP, KEPHIS, and private players like Greenvale. These new varieties are specifically bred to resist PCN while also meeting local farming needs like fast cooking, short dormancy, and the ability to regrow quickly for multiple planting seasons.

Malaika and Glen were officially listed in Kenya’s National Variety List by KEPHIS in July 2025, after performing well in national trials and passing the standards required by processors. Commercial growers have already started multiplying the seed through stem cuttings, with the first rollout to farmers expected as early as September 2025.

The impact could be transformative. Potatoes are Kenya’s second most important staple after maize, supporting an estimated 2.5mn people and contributing about US$500mn annually to the economy. PCN, along with another major pest known as Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP), is responsible for crop losses worth over US$636mn across East Africa each year.

John Jones, professor of the James Hutton Institute noted that the success of these new varieties reflects years of scientific work and international teamwork. “The importance of the collaboration with Kenyan research partners and regulators cannot be overstated,” he said. These varieties, originally developed for the UK, have been adapted to meet the climate and agronomic needs of Kenyan farmers.

With these PCN-resistant varieties, farmers can expect better yields, stronger plants, and a safer investment in their harvests. This development not only offers a practical solution to a major agricultural challenge, but also represents a leap forward in sustainable farming across East Africa.