Harnessing Technology for Climate Resilience: Transforming Kenya’s Agrifood Sector

Climate change poses a severe threat to global agriculture, disrupting weather patterns, depleting natural resources, and jeopardizing food security. In Kenya, where agriculture is a pillar of the economy, these impacts are felt deeply. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and soil degradation affect crop yields, livestock health, and the livelihoods of millions. The agrifood sector, a vital source of income and food for many, is particularly vulnerable to these changes, making it crucial to find sustainable solutions to ensure its resilience.

To address these pressing challenges, Strathmore University Business School kicked-off a training programme for MSMEs in the agribusiness sector between 25^th and 29^th November 2024. The programme, supported by GIZ, aimed to empower MSMEs to adapt to the changing climate while embracing new technological advancements, including digitization and artificial intelligence (AI). The programme focused on the core challenges facing the agrifood sector from climate change, technological gaps, and the need for greater innovation to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Some of the topical areas covered included digitalization and AI risk management, AI and data for climate adaptation and emerging trends among many others.

The Programme had 5 key objectives:

Building resilience against climate challenges. The Programme aimed ensure that MSMEs were equipped with tools to monitor and adapt to climate-related risks. This included getting knowledge and insights on using digital weather forecasting, AI-driven predictive analytics, and data management systems to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, which can devastate crops and livestock.

Accessing new markets through innovative strategies. In an increasingly competitive global market, MSMEs must be technologically savvy and be able to use digital platforms for marketing, online sales, and customer engagement. This includes e-commerce solutions, mobile apps for customer outreach, and social media strategies that can open new revenue streams and global market access for local agrifood products.

Streamlining operations for greater efficiency. Digital tools are key in helping businesses optimize their operations from farm management by tracking planting and harvesting schedules to monitoring health of crops and livestock etc. This allows for better decision-making, cost savings, and increased productivity.

Optimizing resource use to enhance sustainability. The programme took the participants through use of technology to improve resource management. This includes solutions for precision agriculture that enable efficient use water, fertilizer, and other inputs more efficiently, reducing waste and costs while improving yields and environmental sustainability.

Improving financial management and cost tracking. Participants learned how to use digital financial tools to manage cash flow, track expenses, and improve budgeting. This ensures better financial decision-making and increased business sustainability in the face of climate-induced uncertainties.

By empowering MSMEs to innovate and adapt to both environmental and technological shifts, this Programme offers a blueprint for the future of agriculture in Kenya—one that is both forward-thinking and grounded in sustainable practices.

Learn more about our agribusiness Programmes here

Article by Juliet Hinga