A landmark 10-year investment plan to overhaul the chronically stressed food systems across the Horn of Africa has been validated in Nairobi. Spearheaded by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the strategy marks a radical departure from focusing purely on agricultural production to fixing the entire food journey—from the farm to the consumer's table.

For millions of Kenyans, this plan is an urgent necessity. The nation grapples with a harsh reality where nearly 2.8 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity, while the country loses an estimated KES 72 billion (approx. $578 million) annually to food loss and waste. The new Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) for 2026-2035 directly confronts this paradox, aiming to build a resilient system that can withstand the region's notorious cycles of drought, floods, and pest invasions.

Beyond the Farm Gate: A New Approach

The core of the new IGAD framework is a shift to a holistic "food systems" approach. Experts noted that the previous narrow focus on agricultural growth was failing because it ignored critical links. "Agriculture alone cannot solve the economic pressures facing our countries," emphasized Dr. Sylvia Henga, IGAD's Policy and Food Security Expert. The new strategy integrates agriculture with vital sectors like infrastructure, energy, trade, and digital innovation to address systemic bottlenecks.

This means tackling inefficiencies where, for example, one region dumps surplus milk while another faces critical shortages. The plan will guide investments and policies to strengthen value chains, improve storage and processing infrastructure, and enhance regional trade integration.

Confronting a Cycle of Crisis

The Horn of Africa is caught in a perfect storm of climate change, economic instability, and resource degradation. Kenya has seen a significant rise in temperatures over the last 50 years, leading to erratic rainfall, harvest failures, and depleted pastures. These climate shocks have compounded vulnerabilities, with over 10 million Kenyans suffering from chronic food insecurity even before recent crises.

The RASIP is designed to address these root causes through targeted flagship programs focusing on:

• Climate adaptation and sustainable resource management
• Economic empowerment for youth and women in agribusiness
• Digital innovation to improve market access and information
• Strengthening regional trade to balance surplus and deficit areas

The Road to Resilience

Following the technical validation by experts from member states and development partners in Nairobi, the plan now moves towards ministerial endorsement. This final approval is critical to begin mobilizing the investment needed to turn the blueprint into bankable projects. "The region requires quick interventions to respond to recurring shocks, alongside long-term strategies," noted Dr. Mohy Tahomi, IGAD's Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration.

The ultimate success of this ambitious ten-year vision will hinge on sustained political will and coordinated action. For the Kenyan farmer battling unpredictable weather and the family struggling with high food prices, the effective implementation of this plan could mean the difference between chronic vulnerability and a secure, sustainable future.