NAIROBI, KENYA — 2 NOVEMBER 2026
Does Africa‘s next food crisis relate to a lack of seeds, land, or agricultural technology, or is it more basic: water? The country warns that an increase in climate change impacts rainfall patterns and droughts because freshwater supplies are affected. The call has come from the Kenyan government to see an increase in investments in water resources. As stated by Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh (Principal Secretary in Agriculture), “The future of our food security will depend on how we manage water.”
The statement was made by Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Secretary for Agriculture, during the opening of the 17th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), which was held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on 29 October 2026. The event lasted until 30 October 2026 and gathered various stakeholders in agriculture, including state agencies, development partners, and financial institutions.
Ronoh pointed out that sustainable water management has to be made a key pillar of agricultural development, rather than an isolated issue related to environmental sustainability. He also pointed out various threats caused by drought, water scarcity, and losses in biodiversity and water quality, which impede productivity in agriculture and impact livelihoods in rural areas.
There is also a sense of urgency in terms of food security statistics. According to the 2026 United Nations’ State of Food Security and Nutrition report, about 309 million people in Africa were undernourished in 2025. In addition, 56.6% of people in Africa were food insecure to a moderate or severe level in the same year.
Kenya’s position lies beyond enhancing irrigation. Water is needed throughout the food value chain, enabling agricultural production, livestock farming, fishing, and aquaculture. Without a sufficient water supply, agricultural communities may be unable to keep producing food and ensure that it is affordable for everyone.
Ronoh has urged the African nations to promote the concept of integrating water management within agriculture, health, hygiene, and environmental protection and has called upon the attendees of the summit to translate the discussions held during the conference into concrete actions, commitments, and stronger partnerships instead of allowing the summit to yield nothing more than empty resolutions.
The wider background of these words is that the AU has proclaimed the year 2026 as the Year of Achieving Sustainable Water Supply and Waste Management for the Purpose of Agenda 2063.
It must be pointed out that Kenya’s statement comes at an appropriate time: it is no longer enough to be able to provide enough food for the consumers in Africa; the state of water resources must be guaranteed as well.
In conclusion, protecting the food future in Africa starts not at the marketplace but once the water has been taken care of.
