Director-General praises Kenya’s agroforestry as a solution to transform agrifood systems

Nairobi - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Director-General, QU Dongyu, today visited the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) as part of his three-day visit to Kenya. 

He toured soil and seed laboratories and spoke with research scientists and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) along with Catherine Muthuri, ICRAF’s Kenya Country Director and Regional Convener for East Africa.

“I’m pleased to see here how science, innovation and holistic design are being employed for agrifood systems transformation. Agroforestry from one country to the next can improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods,” the Director-General said.

“I see a lot of opportunities for FAO to advance collaboration with ICRAF. We have shared goals and can form a strong team,” he added.  

The Director-General was also accompanied by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Forestry Ephantus Kimotho Kimani.  

Livestock as a source of development

Later in the day, the FAO Director-General visited the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) where he toured veterinary laboratories, spoke to research scientists and met with the Institute’s Director-General Shirley Tarawali.

He praised the Institute’s expertise and scientific knowledge and highlighted the importance of private sector engagement and support to drive sectoral transformation.

Qu added that creating market opportunities and enabling policies are vital mechanisms through which countries can be supported to transform their livestock sectors and deliver better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all. He underscored that FAO had launched the Hand-in-Hand Initiative to help countries address these precise needs.

The Director-General acknowledged the important work done at the Institute under the One Health approach—which recognizes that the health of people is closely linked to the health of plants, animals and the environment—, and in supporting countries with data related to climate change.

During the visit, Qu was joined by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Franklin Mithika Linturi.

Earlier in the day, the Director-General met with H.E William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.