NAIROBI, Kenya – Sustainable financing for agricultural research is essential for strengthening food security, building climate resilience, and driving economic growth, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak has said.
Speaking during the 2nd Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo, Prof. Abdulrazak emphasized that research remains the backbone of socio-economic transformation, providing solutions that improve agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and national resilience.
“Research is not just about discovery; it is about finding practical solutions to farmers’ challenges and ensuring innovations are relevant to local contexts,” said the PS.
He noted that every agricultural breakthrough—from improved crop varieties to climate-smart farming technologies—is built on rigorous research and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and farmers.
Prof. Abdulrazak described investment in research as more than a scientific necessity, saying it is directly linked to food security, economic stability, and national security.
“Funding research is more than a scientific necessity—it is a food security, economic, and national security issue. Without adequate investment, societies remain vulnerable to climate shocks, market instability, and hunger,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when Kenya and other African countries are grappling with the impacts of climate change, rising production costs, and increasing pressure to boost food production for growing populations.
The PS called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and academia to ensure sustainable funding for agricultural research and innovation.
According to Prof. Abdulrazak, research financing should be viewed as a shared responsibility, with all stakeholders playing a role in supporting the development and scaling of technologies that benefit farmers and agribusinesses.
He added that strategic partnerships can help accelerate innovation while ensuring research outputs are translated into practical solutions that address real-world challenges in agriculture.
Prof. Abdulrazak also challenged universities and higher learning institutions to integrate entrepreneurship into agricultural education.
“As we fund research, we must also allocate resources to empower young people. Universities should integrate entrepreneurship into agricultural education, equipping students not only with knowledge but also with the skills to innovate, create businesses, and transform farming into a modern, profitable enterprise,” he said.
He argued that empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills would help attract more young people into agriculture while creating employment opportunities across agricultural value chains.
The PS further urged universities, colleges, and research institutions such as KALRO to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing to maximize the impact of research investments.
He noted that closer cooperation among institutions would help streamline funding, reduce duplication of efforts, and accelerate the delivery of innovations to farmers.
“A unified body of research institutions would streamline funding and amplify impact on society,” he said.
Prof. Abdulrazak concluded by emphasizing that science, research, and innovation remain critical drivers of national development and agricultural transformation.
He said that by linking research to practical application, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation of agricultural innovators, Kenya can unlock its agricultural potential, strengthen food systems, and achieve inclusive economic growth.
The 2nd KALRO Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo brought together researchers, policymakers, development partners, private sector players, and farmers to showcase innovations and discuss strategies for advancing Kenya’s agricultural sector through science and technology.