{
  "id": 16582651,
  "title": "Agroecology can raise Kenyan farmers’ profits by 37.8pc, ActionAid report finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/agroecology-can-raise-kenyan-farmers-profits-by-37-8pc-actionaid",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-26T09:08:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital Business",
    "slug": "capital-business",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/agroecology-can-raise-kenyan-farmers-profits-by-37-8pc-actionaid-report-finds/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new ActionAid International report has revealed that Kenyan farmers could boost their profits by an average of 37.8 percent through the adoption of agroecological farming practices. These practices aim to reduce spending on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, while enhancing soil health and overall crop yields. The research behind these findings was conducted in three Kenyan counties, with farmers transitioning to agroecological methods experiencing improved profits over a period of one to three years. In Murang’a county, for instance, amaranth yields were found to be 45 percent higher and kale yields increased by 34 percent under agroecological farming. The report emphasizes the dangers of relying on synthetic fertilizers, which leaves farmers vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions, often triggered by conflicts and market disruptions. By turning to on-farm composting, recycling organic waste, and natural biopesticides, farmers can save on costly synthetic inputs and conserve water, further reducing expenses. The report draws insights from long-term comparative trials conducted by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Kenya, Bolivia, and India, which have proven the potential of organic farming systems to enhance yields while delivering environmental benefits. However, it acknowledges the transition period required for farms to match the output of conventional systems, which may take up to three years, depending on soil conditions, farmer knowledge, and the availability of support. ActionAid International urges the Kenyan government to bolster funding for farmer training, agroecological research, and the production of locally sourced agricultural inputs, in addition to the existing fertiliser subsidy programs. Reducing dependence on imported agricultural inputs could also help lower the country's fertiliser import bill and ease the financial burden of government subsidies. Commenting on the report, ActionAid International Secretary-General Arthur Larok highlighted the potential of agroecology to strengthen economic resilience, increase farmers' incomes, and contribute to the fight against climate change. He pointed out that farmers are not only improving their yields and incomes but also reducing their dependence on costly imported inputs and safeguarding the soils and ecosystems upon which food production depends. The report examined agricultural research and experiences from 10 African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.",
  "summary": "NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 26 – Kenyan farmers could increase profits by an average of 37.8 per cent by adopting agroecological farming practices that reduce spending on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}