A landmark regional investment plan to overhaul the chronically stressed food systems across the Horn of Africa has been validated in Nairobi, marking a pivotal shift from merely boosting agricultural production to fixing the entire journey from farm to fork. For millions of Kenyans grappling with recurrent food shortages and climate-driven crises, this ambitious strategy is an urgent necessity.

The new framework confronts a stark reality: while the Horn of Africa faces a deepening humanitarian crisis with over 40 million people experiencing acute hunger, the region also loses staggering amounts of food post-harvest. In Kenya alone, an estimated KES 72 billion (approx. $559 million) is lost annually to food loss and waste, a paradox the new plan directly confronts. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is spearheading this shift with its Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) for 2026-2035.

Beyond the Farm Gate: A New Approach

The core of the new IGAD framework is a move to a holistic "food systems" approach. Experts noted that previous strategies focusing narrowly on agricultural growth were failing because they ignored critical links in the value chain. "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 absurd inefficiencies where, for instance, one Kenyan region dumps surplus milk due to poor transport while another faces critical shortages and hunger. The plan will guide investments and policies to strengthen these 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 conflict. 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 millions of Kenyans suffering from chronic food insecurity. 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.

"It is crucial for Kenya to be part of this process, as we continue to face significant climate-related challenges that directly affect food production and livelihoods," noted Dr. Hesbon Otinga, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. He added that a strong regional framework will help align national efforts with regional solutions.

The plan, which succeeds the previous Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (2016–2020), will now move towards ministerial endorsement to mobilize investment and coordinate action among member states. This final validation in Nairobi sets the stage for a unified roadmap aimed at building a resilient and sustainable food future for the entire region.