Kenya’s crop subsector plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, but it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Key contributors to these emissions include land-use changes, fertilizer use, and crop residue management. Together, these agricultural practices release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere, which accelerates climate change. As agriculture is critical to incomes and survival, addressing its GHG emissions is essential for Kenya to meet its climate commitments and foster sustainable farming practices.

Accurate monitoring of these emissions is key to improving agricultural techniques, fulfilling international climate commitments, and promoting sustainability without compromising productivity. However, data collection challenges at the local level hinder effective monitoring and reporting. Without accurate grassroots data, Kenya’s GHG inventory remains incomplete, affecting emission estimates and limiting targeted interventions.

In August and October 2024, the ICAT project, implemented with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, conducted capacity-building workshops across five counties: Taita Taveta, Nyamira, Baringo, Murang’a, and Makueni. The workshops brought together 100 participants, including ward and sub-county agricultural officers, and county government officers from the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment.

Facilitated by experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s Climate Change Unit (MOALD-CCU), CSA-MSP members, and Alliance researchers, the workshops provided hands-on training to equip participants with the necessary skills to monitor and report GHG emissions effectively. The two-day training sessions focused on the following key areas:

• Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This module covered the types of GHGs, agricultural activities contributing to emissions, and how farmers can mitigate or adapt to the effects of climate change.
• Policies and Global Requirements for GHG Reporting: Participants learned about international climate agreements, reporting requirements, and the importance of collecting accurate data to meet these standards.
• Institutional Arrangements in GHG Inventory Processes: This module clarified the roles and responsibilities in data collection and reporting, highlighting the importance of coordination between agencies to ensure smooth processes.
• Developing the GHG Inventory in the Crop Subsector: Participants were introduced to the GHG inventory process, the types of data needed, and the benefits of accurate emissions reporting.
• Training on the Activity Data Collection Tool: This module showcased a new tool co-developed by the Alliance and the Climate Change Unit. The tool was piloted with farmer groups across the five counties and focuses on collecting detailed data on land use, crop management practices, fertilizer and manure application, and crop residue handling. The tool aims to provide more accurate GHG emission estimates, supporting more effective climate change mitigation strategies.

Voices from the Field

Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop and its practical approach to GHG reporting.

Job Mjema, an agricultural officer, said:

“the training was very insightful, the data-collection tool is user friendly, and I feel confident using it to gather accurate information from the farmers.”

Another participant, Nancy Ndegwa, highlighted how the workshop deepened her understanding of the importance of local data in national reporting:

“As someone working closely with farmers, the session on GHG inventory development in the crop subsector was incredibly beneficial. It gave me a clearer understanding of how the data we collect impacts national reporting and supports Kenya’s climate goals. I now feel more equipped to contribute to this crucial process,” she shared.

Addressing Gaps in GHG Inventory

Kenya’s crop subsector faces several challenges in maintaining a comprehensive GHG inventory, particularly due to data availability issues. Many agricultural activities, especially those carried out by smallholder farmers, are poorly documented. Limited financial and human resources also hamper systematic data collection and processing. In rural areas, inadequate infrastructure for data collection and transmission further contributes to these challenges.

Low awareness of climate change exacerbates these gaps. Many farming communities do not fully understand the significance of GHG reporting or see the direct benefits of participating in data collection efforts. Increasing awareness and engagement at the grassroots level is essential to closing these gaps and improving the accuracy of Kenya’s GHG inventory.