Agricultural experts have urged the government to refocus food production to organic farming, warning that chemical-intensive agriculture is fuelling lifestyle-related diseases and undermining long-term food security.

Speaking at the graduation of organic agriculture students at the College of Sustainable Agriculture for Eastern Africa in Kilimambogo, Thika East Sub-County in Kiambu County, experts said Kenya must urgently rethink how food is grown to protect public health and address recurring food shortages.

Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Programme (SACDEP) Ngugi Mutuura said excessive use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and artificial ripening chemicals is exposing consumers to harmful substances linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers.

“We are raising a red flag. The food we consume is increasingly becoming toxic,” Mutuura said, warning that profit-driven farming practices are prioritizing quick yields at the expense of public health.

He said organic farming provides a sustainable alternative by restoring soil health, improving food quality and reducing dependence on expensive chemical inputs. He added that organic agriculture could play a key role in combating hunger and food crises by improving long-term productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

Mutuura criticised policies that heavily promote subsidised fertilisers and genetically modified seeds without offering equal support to organic farming. He called for clear policies to protect organic agriculture and for proper labelling of food products to enable consumers to make informed choices.

Chief guest Annette Massman from Germany, said organic farming is critical to reducing diet-related lifestyle diseases by improving the nutritional value of food. Ms Massman urged young people to view organic farming as a viable career and business opportunity.

“Good health begins with what we eat. Sustainable farming is key to reducing disease and ensuring food security,” Massman said.

She also called on farmers to practise climate-resilient farming solutions in order to weed out the food crisis that continued to face the country due to low rains. College Principal Ruth Mukiri said Kenya lacks adequate organic agriculture training institutions and called on private players to help bridge the gap.

She said with strong policy support, public awareness and investment in organic value chains, the country could curb lifestyle diseases, create jobs and enhance food security.

Mukiri said the future of agriculture must not only feed the nation but also protect its health.

Graduates, including Meshack Mutata, said the training has equipped them to promote soil conservation, safer food production and reduced reliance on chemical inputs in their communities.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Muoki Charles