What this Project is about
SoLFOOD – Ecological, Technological, and Capacity Development Strategies for Sustainable Optimization of Local Maize-Based Food Systems – is an international and transdisciplinary research project running from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2027. It aims to enhance food security and climate-resilient maize production for smallholder farmers in Kenya by reducing mycotoxin contamination and food losses.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and involves leading research institutions, including the Max Rubner-Institut (Detmold, Kiel), Julius Kühn-Institut (Berlin, Braunschweig), and RPT University (Kaiserslautern-Landau), as well as Kenyan partners such as the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF).
SoLFOOD takes a holistic approach, combining scientific research with traditional farming practices to improve soil and crop quality, explore resistant maize varieties, and introduce alternative uses for contaminated maize. Strategies include biological detoxification through fungal fermentation to produce safe, nutritious food, as well as using contaminated maize for insect protein production in animal feed. The project also promotes knowledge exchange between scientists, farmers, and local stakeholders to foster sustainable agricultural practices and new market opportunities.
By integrating scientific innovation with local expertise, SoLFOOD contributes to food safety, economic stability, and climate resilience in Kenyan smallholder farming communities.
Here you can get to the english Version of the Project Profile.
If you’re wondering why we’re talking about health risks and food safety, here is some information about Mycotoxins and Aflatoxins.
The different agroecological Zones in Kenya
To understand the farming and storage conditions of Maize, you have to know about the climatic conditions and weather conditions in the different counties of Kenya:
| Agroecological Zones | Description | Counties |
| Zone I & II (Sub-Humid) | Consists of humid to dry sub-humid highland areas between 1980 and 2700 meters with reliable rainfall Dominated by forest and open grasslands Characterized by mixed farming, with a focus on food crops and cash crops | TransNzoia (Near Mt.Elgon) Meru Embu Kirinyaga Parts of Nakuru (adjacent to Mau Forest) Kericho |
| Zone III (Semi-Humid) | Characterized by annual rainfall between 950 and 1500 mm, typically found at elevations of 900–1800 meters Suitable for various legume fodders in crop-livestock systems | Kisumu Nandi Bomet Uasin Gishu Parts of TransNzoia Parts of Nakuru Tharaka Nithi Kilifi Taita Taveta |
| Zone IV | Characterized by low altitudes (generally below 500m, rising to over 1000m in some regions and a high risk of desertification. Covers much of the eastern part of the country | Machakos Kitui Baringo |
| Zone V (Semi-Arid) | Characterized by low annual rainfall (300–600 mm), prevalent low trees and shrubs like Acacia, and a natural vegetation of short-grass Savannah with small-leafed, thorny trees suitable for livestock rearing and beekeeping, with some pockets of mixed farming and agro-pastoralism | Baringo Turkana Makueni Busia |