Kenyan farmers could earn 37.8% more with agroecology
An ActionAid study in three counties found compost and natural pest control cut costs, and amaranth yields rose 45%.
Nairobi — Kenyan farmers could raise their profits by an average of 37.8% by switching to agroecological methods, according to a new ActionAid International report, Transforming Food Systems in Africa: The Case for Investing in Agroecology.
What the study found
The research, in three Kenyan counties, followed farmers over one to three years after they changed methods.
- In Murang'a, amaranth yields were 45% higher than on conventional farms, and kale yields 34% higher.
- Composting, recycling organic waste and natural biopesticides cut spending on synthetic fertiliser and pesticide.
- Healthier soils hold water longer, so farmers need less irrigation.
The report notes the switch takes time: a farm may need up to three years to match conventional yields.
The ask
ActionAid wants more public money for farmer training, agroecology research and locally made inputs, alongside fertiliser subsidies, which would also cut Kenya's fertiliser import bill. Secretary-General Arthur Larok said farmers are improving yields and income while depending less on costly imports and protecting their soils.
Source: Capital FM via AllAfrica, 26 October 2026.
