On 5th and 6th August 2025, the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) joined leading stakeholders at the National Workshop on Biopesticide Policy, held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. Organized by the Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development Aid (Cordaid) under the B(Eat) the Locust Project, the workshop provided a multi-stakeholder platform to deliberate on the value of a national framework to promote biopesticide use in Kenya.

The event brought together policymakers, researchers, farmer organizations, and private sector actors to explore sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides in pest management. Government institutions present included the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB). Training institutions such as Kenyatta University, alongside research organizations including the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), also took part. Farmers and other grassroots actors were actively engaged, bringing valuable perspectives from the field.

Among the key highlights was a panel discussion on “Desert Locust Invasion – Farmers’ Experiences”, moderated by IMPACT Kenya, with panelists drawn from the Kenya Livestock Producers Association (KLPA), PELUM Kenya, Cereal Growers Association (CGA), Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF), and Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN). Wycliff Nyamao, who repreented KOAN shared farmers’ experiences during the 2019–2021 desert locust invasion and raised critical concerns on the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in control operations. He also highlighted the ongoing work of KOAN in promoting safer, sustainable alternatives such as biopesticides and agroecological practices.

Key Reflections from Wycliff’s Contribution

1. Impact on Organic Farming Systems: The desert locust invasion was devastating for smallholders across Kenya, but particularly difficult for organic and transitioning farmers. Emergency spraying campaigns created uncertainty and, in some cases, threatened compliance with organic certification standards. Farmers were worried about contamination of crops and soils, and some struggled to maintain their organic status during the period.
2. Concerns with Chemical Responses: Synthetic pesticide spraying was the default response, but our members expressed serious concerns about health risks, biodiversity loss, and soil contamination. In certain regions, aerial spraying caused anxiety among certified groups, with farmers fearing the loss of organic status. While not always formally documented, reports of contamination were widespread.
3. Biopesticide Awareness and Use: Awareness of biopesticides among organic farmers is growing but still limited. KOAN has supported trainings on bio-based pest management, and some farmer groups are already using solutions like neem extracts. These examples show that biopesticides can be both effective and aligned with organic standards.
4. Traditional and Agroecological Alternatives: During the locust crisis, some farmers turned to indigenous knowledge—such as using ash, neem, or chilli-garlic extracts—to deter pests. While not always as fast-acting as chemical sprays, these methods are safer and environmentally friendly. We see great potential in integrating these local practices into formal biopesticide development and policy frameworks.
5. Policy and Market Linkages: KOAN advocates for a National Biopesticide Policy that prioritizes safer alternatives over hazardous chemicals. Such a framework should align with organic certification systems, ensure farmer training, and create market incentives for biopesticide adoption. By harmonizing regulation and market access requirements, we can support both organic and conventional farmers in making the transition to safer pest control.

Why This Matters

The desert locust invasions reminded us of the urgent need to balance rapid emergency responses with long-term sustainability. While chemical pesticides may offer quick fixes, their costs to human health, biodiversity, and market integrity are too high. Biopesticides, supported by strong policies and market linkages, represent a safer, scalable alternative.

Through Wycliff’s contribution, KOAN reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that protect farmers, consumers, and ecosystems. As Kenya moves toward developing a national biopesticide policy, KOAN will continue working with partners to ensure that organic and agroecological perspectives remain at the heart of this important shift.