Who we Are

The Route to Food Initiative (RTFI) is part of the Agroecology & Food Rights Programme at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, based in Nairobi, Kenya. We work to advance the right to adequate, sufficient and healthy food, using Agroecology as a pathway. Below is how we think about our work:

Why Food Rights?

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 boldly spells out the following rights:

1. Article 43 (1) (c) – the right of every Kenyan to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality

2. Article 53 (1) (c) – the right of every child to basic nutrition, shelter and health care

3. Article 21 – establishes the progressive realization of social and economic rights and obligates the State to “observe, respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights”

We advocate for the right to food because the Constitution of Kenya 2010 makes it a binding, permanent and enforceable commitment. By recognising food and nutrition as constitutional rights, the State is legally obliged to respect, protect and fulfil them, placing food security firmly within the realm of justice and accountability.

The right to food is justiciable, meaning #WeThePeople can take government to court when policies, actions or inactions undermine access to adequate, safe and nutritious food. Kenyan courts have already built jurisprudence around economic and social rights, creating practical tools for accountability in cases of famine relief, failures in social protection, land governance disputes and food safety concerns. This demonstrates that the right to food is not symbolic; there are legal precedents that make it possible for #WeThePeople to demand real remedies when government actions or inactions deny us adequate food or nutrition.

Including nutrition alongside food and water is a progressive step. It defines food not simply as calories, but as adequate, safe and dignified nourishment. This framing is critical for addressing all forms of malnutrition and food safety challenges, from pesticide residues to aflatoxin contamination. It also establishes the basis for requiring government to guarantee access to adequate and nutritious food through famine and emergency relief, social safety nets and protection measures such as school feeding programmes, as well as in public institutions including prisons and hospitals.

#WeThePeople should care about the right to food because it anchors state responsibility. Government responses to hunger, drought, floods or price shocks are not discretionary acts of charity, but constitutional duties. This right empowers us to demand predictable safety nets, stronger food safety regulation, agricultural investment that enhances local access and resilience, and economic measures that make food accessible and affordable for all.

Why Agroecology?

We champion Agroecology as a transformative solution: sustainable farming that incorporates ecological principles, minimizes harmful synthetic inputs, and fosters biodiversity. Through research, education and advocacy, we support the development of resilient local food systems that challenge small-scale farmers and communities to take control of their food production.

We employ innovative communication strategies to address challenges in food availability, access and utilisation. We work with both mainstream and alternative media to educate, inform, spark dialogue and promote public discussion on food rights and the transformation of food systems.

We also lead the Route to Food Alliance, a network of individuals, organizations, farmers, advocates, consumers, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders united in advancing food rights and justice across East Africa. Members of the Alliance promote food rights individually in their communities and collectively through joint action within the Alliance.