Most smallholder farmers surveyed in Turkana County, Kenya, cultivate between one and three acres and earn less than KES 50,000 annually, illustrating the economic constraints shaping local food production. This assessment examines evidence, practices and lessons for advancing sustainable, climate-resilient agroecological food systems and strengthening household self-reliance amid recurring climate shocks. Using mixed methods, it draws on surveys of 215 households, 10 key informant interviews with government, NGOs, DanChurchAid (DCA) and private-sector actors, eight focus group discussions involving men, women and youth, and field observations.

Farmers produce crops including kale, spinach, okra and amaranth for Kakuma market, but face water scarcity, crop failures, labour demands, limited technical capacity, pests and diseases, production costs and weak market access. A rapid market scan found that much of Kakuma’s produce comes from outside the region, contributing to high food prices. Existing agroecological practices include manure application, mixed farming, permaculture and agroforestry, while participants identified polyculture, integrated pest management, composting, organic farming and kitchen gardens among relevant good practices.

Statistical analysis found positive associations between adoption and factors including age, gender, marital status, household size and financial support. Mixed farming showed the highest probability of adoption among the practices analysed. The proposed model therefore emphasizes financial assistance, access to water, farmer training, participatory learning, Indigenous knowledge, market linkages, livestock and agroforestry integration, and the inclusion of women and youth, adapted to household and site-specific conditions.