Our agri-food systems are facing unprecedented challenges, exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, civil conflicts, lack of political will, poverty, inequality, power in a few hands, loss of biodiversity and climate change. These challenges go beyond the immediate need for technological solutions; they demand a nuanced understanding of the political and economic drivers that shape our food systems. In this episode, drawing inspiration from the Political Economy and Policy Analysis (PEPA) sourcebook, produced as part of the CGIAR Research Initiative on National Policies and Strate ..read more

The Global Food System is broken. The food system is a complex web of activities and sectors involving the production, processing, transport, and consumption of food and is best conceptualized as an eco-agri-food-health system. In this episode, Lena Luig, Head of International Agriculture policy Division, Heinrich Boell Stiftung e. V, Berlin explores the multifaceted challenges and complexities of the global food system from corporate control, pesticide trade, and their impact on various aspects of society, with a strong emphasis on the need for change and the importance of supporting alternat ..read more

Join us on this episode of the Cha Kula Podcast as we delve into the critical topic of agricultural development and government policy in Kenya with Eng. Laban Kiplagat from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries and Hon. Agostino Neto, Technical Advisor to the CS of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. Despite the constitutional right to food for every Kenyan, food insecurity remains a stark reality. In this episode, we explore the actions the government is taking to tackle food insecurity and improve farmer livelihoods in the country. The current administration, under the ..read more

Food is an integral part of Kenyan culture, representing a rich tapestry of traditions and heritage. In Kenya, food is not merely sustenance; it holds immense social and cultural significance. Different communities have their distinct cuisines, preparation techniques, and food-related rituals that have been passed down through generations. On this episode, we interviewed Dr. Maundu, an esteemed expert from the National Museums of Kenya, who brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject and Darius Okolla, a curator at The Elephant and a renowned writer who has extensively covered food culture. Th ..read more

Get ready for a stimulating episode of the Cha Kula podcast, where we dive into the fascinating world of politics and power in Kenya's food system. Our host, Felistus Mwalia, is joined by Chief Nyamweya, the mastermind behind the graphic novel "The Blind Spot," which highlights the many ways politics influences our food system. We also have the pleasure of chatting with Bertha Odawa, a law student, literature enthusiast, and all-around awesome young woman, as well as Amol Awour, a journalist with a passion for questioning societal issues in Kenya. In this episode, we want to encourage you to r ..read more

Episode 6: Persistent myths about our food system | Lessons for Kenya by Cha Kula Podcast ..read more

Food is a crucial subject all over the world. It's at the center of our lives, and food has everything to do with gender. But there is a gap between feminist and food media, which leaves out important perspectives on the intersections of food, power, gender, and politics. Feminist Food Journal, an online magazine dedicated to a feminist food future, joined us on this episode. They use food as a lens to explore culture and society by publishing stories that shift and deepen the ways that readers think, in turn providing them with powerful conceptual tools to challenge and dismantle inequalities ..read more

Nairobi's population is expected to grow to 5.94 million people by 2030, resulting in increased waste generation. The Dandora dumpsite (Kenya's biggest dumpsite) receives approximately half of the waste. Soil around the dumpsite contains higher concentration of various heavy metals. Contaminants from the dumpsite decreases the strength of soil and quality. Soil contamination also effect the survival of vegetation around the dumpsite. Greenhouse gas emissions from the dumpsite escape to the environment and contribute to the already worrying global warming. The dumpsite has further reduced green ..read more

Food and nutrition insecurity continues to be one of Kenya's biggest problems. While technological advancements, enhancement of infrastructure and education, and other factors have changed over the last 58 years of independent Kenya, food insecurity has remained a perennial problem. Most Kenyans are affected by different levels and forms of food and nutrition insecurity as the government seemingly struggles to fulfil the Human Right to Food as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 – Article 43 1(c). A coalition of organisations that advocate for food and nutrition security and realisati ..read more

“If the bee disappears from the surface of the Earth, man would have no more than four years left to live.”Albert Einsten Bees and humans have long had a close relationship because bees of the role they play in pollination (80% of the world’s plants are pollinated by bees) and because of the economic value of bee products has helped many small-scale farmers improve their standard of living. As we marked the #WorldBeeDay, few weeks ago we hosted Jason Runo, a beekeeper and founder of Ohkay Honey Ke who shared a lot about the importance of bees in improving livelihoods of small scale farmers and ..read more