A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) paid a courtesy visit to the National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC) on 12 March 2026 to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening food systems and improving value addition for farmers across Kenya.

The meeting focused on how government policies and institutional frameworks can support farmers in building resilience within food systems while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. A key area of discussion was the role of irrigation and value addition in boosting agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

During the engagement, UNDP representatives highlighted an ongoing pilot project currently being implemented in four counties—Tana River, Turkana, Garissa, and West Pokot. The initiative is designed to support farmers cultivating selected crops by introducing solar-powered irrigation systems, enabling them to improve productivity, adapt to climate variability, and enhance resilience in the face of recurring droughts and other climate-related shocks.

Beyond improving irrigation, the project also aims to strengthen value addition along agricultural value chains, helping farmers move beyond primary production and increase the market value of their produce. By integrating renewable energy solutions with agricultural practices, the initiative seeks to promote sustainable farming while lowering production costs.

Officials from NDOC and UNDP emphasized the importance of coordinated government action and partnerships in building resilient food systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Looking ahead, UNDP plans to develop a comprehensive proposal based on lessons learned from the pilot phase. The goal is to scale up the initiative and extend its benefits to a larger number of farmers across Kenya, further supporting national efforts to strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural development.

The discussions underscored the critical role of collaboration between government institutions and development partners in driving innovative solutions that empower farmers and safeguard Kenya’s food systems for the future.