Kenya's NDC
KenyaFood System Overview
Because of the agriculture sector’s significance in Kenya – and the challenges it faces – food systems in Kenya present a key opportunity for transformation for climate action. The agriculture sector accounts for 33% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), and – combined with Land Use and Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) – accounts for 75% of Kenya’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.[i] However, the country’s food system is not without its challenges: it is characterized by gender disparities and high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity, while experiencing a significant drop in food production in recent years due to climate change.[ii] In Kenya, a food systems transformation has the potential to increase employment, improve gender equality, reduce GHG emissions, and lower rates of malnutrition and food insecurity.[iii]
NDC Development
The development of Kenya's Updated NDC included a strong coordination system that built upon existing climate frameworks and pledges while integrating gender considerations into the NDC process. Led by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and coordinated by the Climate Change Directorate, the NDC development process included a gender analysis that was carried out to ensure that gender-responsive actions were sufficiently integrated and budgeted for within Kenya’s NDC. The creation of Kenya’s NDC built upon existing frameworks and policies (e.g., the National Adaptation Plan 2015–2030, the Second National Climate Change Action Plan 2018-2022, the Third National Inventory Report, and the Climate Change Act 2016), some of which are relevant to the country’s food systems.
Food System Measures
Kenya’s NDC includes several important policies and targets related to food systems transformation. These include the transformational agriculture, for crops, livestock, and fisheries, to contribute toward meeting the ambitious climate change adaptation and mitigation targets set by the country. The NDC includes measures to build climate resilience, such as through sustainable land use management, the provision of safety nets, extension services, and access to finance targeted toward marginalised communities. For instance, the NDC describes a measure to develop social safety net structures for women, youth, and other vulnerable groups within the County Climate Change Funds.
NDC Implementation
Kenya makes several significant commitments regarding the implementation of its NDC.[iv] The total cost of implementing mitigation and adaptation actions in the updated NDC is estimated at 62 billion USD; Kenya commits to bearing 13% of these costs – a significant increase compared to its first NDC, which was entirely dependent on external support.[v] This shift from its initial NDC indicates a renewed dedication to climate action. Additionally, Kenya is channelling financial support towards rural livelihoods and ecologically beneficial farming, while accelerating the development of a multi-stakeholder monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) tool and promoting rights protection in agroecology for marginalized groups. Finally, the NDC includes provisions for technology development and transfer.
Sources
[i] S. Nosratabadi, et al., “Social Capital Contributions to Food Security: A Comprehensive Literature Review,” *Foods *9(11). Retrieved from: https://doi.org /10.3390/foods9111650.
[ii] F. Rampa and K. Dekeyser, “AgrInvest-Food Systems Project,” (2020).; FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020: Transforming Food Systems for Affordable Healthy Diets” (2020). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9692en.
[iii] Global Alliance for the Future of Food. Untapped opportunities for climate action: an assessment of food systems in Nationally Determined Contributions. n.p.: Global Alliance for the Future of Food, 2022.
[iv] Kenya’s Updated NDCs, “Submission of Kenya’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” (No. 2; NDC, p. 20), Ministry of Environment and Forestry (2020); Global Alliance for the Future of Food. Untapped opportunities for climate action: an assessment of food systems in Nationally Determined Contributions. n.p.: Global Alliance for the Future of Food, 2022.
[v] Kenya’s Updated NDCs, “Submission of Kenya’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” (No. 2; NDC, p. 20), Ministry of Environment and Forestry (2020).