NAIROBI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will refashion its partnership with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to inject vitality in food production systems against a backdrop of rising hunger, malnutrition and environmental risks, officials said on Thursday.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Willy Bett, said that a robust engagement with FAO in diverse areas like agronomy, market linkages and ecological protection will improve Kenya's capacity to feed its population.
"We anticipate improved working relationship with FAO and other bilateral allies to implement programs that combat hunger, malnutrition and promote climate resilience in agriculture sector," Bett said.
He spoke in Nairobi during the 40th anniversary celebrations since the UN Food and Agricultural Organization commenced operations in Kenya.
Bett noted that FAO has in the blast four decades partnered with the national and county governments to enhance agriculture productivity through enactment of robust policies, capacity building, research and technology transfer.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that FAO is currently providing technical support to facilitate development of Kenya's agriculture sector transformation and growth strategy.
"FAO has supported revival of aquaculture and livestock sectors to achieve food and nutrition security in the country. It has also partnered with us in strengthening food safety and sustainable natural resources management," said Bett.
He added that Kenya looks forward to a vibrant engagement with FAO in programs aimed at reducing food waste and improving data collection in the agriculture sector.
"As a country, we are ready to harness expertise and global experience from FAO to make the agriculture sector more sustainable, profitable and youth friendly," Bett remarked.
The FAO Representative in Kenya, Gabriel Rugalema said that future collaboration with Kenya will revolve around three areas that include boosting crop production, enhancing climate resilience and data collection.
"We have developed a strategic framework to strengthen future partnership with Kenya leading to hunger and poverty eradication, improved farmers' income and better response to environmental crises," said Rugalema.
