Agroecology Policy, 2025

The County Government of Vihiga launched the Agroecology Policy, 2025. ‎This policy represents a significant milestone in agricultural practices making Vihiga County the second after Murang’a County to commit to agroecological practices.

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‎Formulate in line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the County Government Act 2012, the policy underscores the importance of adapting national policies and strategies to the unique conditions of local environments, with an emphasis on creating a sustainable and climate-smart approach to food production.

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‎Speaking during the launch, Vihiga Governor, H. E. Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, expressed his gratitude towards partners, stakeholders, and farmers who played a critical role in ensuring the policy was inclusive and responsive to local needs.

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‎Governor Ottichilo also highlighted that the county is in the process of developing its 2025-2026 budget, which will earmark funds to actualize and implement the policy through the Department of Agriculture.

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‎The Principal Scientist and Agroecology Lead at CIFOR-ICRAF, Professor Alex Awiti, commended the County Government for its bold step in launching the Agroecology Policy which will ensure food safety and security.

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‎The Policy has been development around five key thematic areas namely;

‎ Improved soil health status through minimal use of harmful agrochemicals.

‎ Sustainable food security anchored on agro-ecological food production practices.

‎ Co-creation of innovative food production knowledge through adaptive research.

‎ Increased investment in value addition by commercialization of Agriculture and promotion of a circular economy in food production systems.

‎ Strengthening the digital economy in agriculture and insurance coverage for crops and livestock enterprises vulnerable to climate shocks.