SoLFOOD (Ecological, Technological, and Capacity Development Strategies for Sustainable Optimization of Local Maize-Based Food Systems)

SoLFOOD (Ecological, Technological, and Capacity Development Strategies for Sustainable Optimization of Local Maize-Based Food Systems) is an international, transdisciplinary research project running from March 2024 to December 2027 with a total budget of €1.72 million. The project seeks to strengthen food security and climate-resilient maize production among smallholder farmers in Kenya by addressing mycotoxin contamination, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), SoLFOOD brings together leading research institutions from Germany, including the Max Rubner Institute, Julius Kühn Institute, and RPT University Kaiserslautern-Landau, alongside Kenyan partners such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF).

The project adopts a holistic approach that combines scientific innovation with indigenous knowledge and farmer-led solutions. Key interventions include improving soil and crop quality, identifying maize varieties with greater resistance to contamination, and developing sustainable uses for contaminated maize. Innovative strategies being explored include biological detoxification through fungal fermentation to produce safe and nutritious food products, as well as converting contaminated maize into insect protein for animal feed.

A strong focus is placed on knowledge sharing and capacity development, bringing together researchers, farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices, strengthen local food systems and create new market opportunities.

EAFF’s Role

As the regional voice of farmers in Eastern Africa, EAFF plays a critical role in ensuring that research outcomes are effectively translated into practical solutions for smallholder farmers. EAFF facilitates farmer engagement and participation in project activities, supports capacity-building initiatives, and promotes the adoption of sustainable maize production practices among farming communities.

The Federation also serves as a key link between researchers, policymakers and farmers, helping to disseminate project findings, share best practices, and strengthen knowledge exchange across the agricultural value chain. Through its extensive network of farmer organizations, EAFF contributes to scaling up successful innovations and enhancing the long-term impact of the project on food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience in Kenya and the wider Eastern Africa region.

Through the integration of ecological, technological and capacity-building approaches, SoLFOOD contributes to improved food safety, enhanced livelihoods, greater economic resilience and sustainable agricultural development for smallholder farming communities in Kenya.