Kenya to host the 2026 annual meeting of the World Farmers’ Organization
By Sandra Neddy
Kenya is set to host the 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO) from 8 to 11 June 2026, marking a major milestone for the country’s agricultural sector. The global event will be organized by the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. This high-level gathering will bring together leaders of farmers’ organizations from 65 countries, alongside policymakers, financiers, private sector actors, scientists and representatives of multilateral agencies.
The meeting will be held under the theme, “Future Fields: Investing in Farmers’ Organizations and Empowering Communities for Sustainable Agriculture.” The theme reflects a growing global consensus that farmers’ organizations are central to building resilient food systems, strengthening rural economies and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. It also underscores the importance of channeling investments directly to farmer-led structures to ensure long-term impact at the grassroots level.
Speaking on a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, described Kenya’s selection as host as a great honor and a recognition of the country’s evolving agricultural landscape. He noted that farming today goes beyond subsistence and is increasingly anchored on commercial transformation, decent incomes, youth participation and technology adoption. According to him, national food security and broader economic growth depend on placing farmers at the center of policy, financing and innovation.
”Farming is now a professional, income-generating sector. Putting farmers first leads to better policies and stronger food systems,” he stated
WFO Secretary General Andrea Porro emphasized the urgent need for financing models that directly reach farmers and guarantee dignified incomes to sustain the profession. He highlighted that many countries are struggling to attract young people into agriculture, making it critical to create viable, profitable and future-oriented farming enterprises.
The 2026 Annual Meeting will spotlight key areas shaping the future of global agriculture, including youth engagement, digital innovation, soil health, fair trade and farmer-focused financing. It will also provide Kenya with an opportunity to showcase its dynamic agricultural ecosystem, from smallholder-driven value chains to emerging agri-tech solutions.
By hosting the global forum, Kenya is poised to reinforce its position as a continental and international leader in farmer-driven, technology-powered commercial agriculture. The event is expected to deepen partnerships, unlock new investments and strengthen the voice of farmers in shaping policies that define the future of food and agriculture worldwide.