Proparco Invests Sh140 Million in Support of Smallholder Farmers in Kenya
Proparco has allocated over Sh140 million to the Equity Group Foundation for the “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS) project. This initiative aims to assist smallholder farmers in adopting sustainable practices. The partnership was celebrated in a signing ceremony attended by key dignitaries, emphasizing agriculture’s critical role in Kenya’s economy and community well-being.
Proparco, in collaboration with Equity Group, has signed an agreement granting Sh141,260,000 to the Equity Group Foundation (EGF). This financial support aims to implement the “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS) project, which is focused on assisting smallholder farmers in Kenya to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. The signing ceremony was held in Nairobi, attended by key officials including the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, and the CEO of Equity Group, Dr. James Mwangi.
Agriculture plays a vital role in Kenya’s economic landscape, contributing approximately 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 45 percent of the country’s export earnings. The sector is foundational for rural communities, providing livelihoods for 75 percent of rural populations and employing over 70 percent of the rural workforce, of which 60 percent are women and youth.
Through the CRAFS project, Equity Group Foundation intends to promote the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) among smallholder farmers. This sustainable approach aims to enhance productivity and resilience against climate shocks while reducing agricultural emissions. The initiative will offer training, financial access, and knowledge exchange, with a dedicated field team facilitating on-the-ground implementation.
The project aims to engage 15,000 farmers annually in both livestock and crop value chains. Additional support will include training on energy utilization, sustainable production practices, waste management, and water harvesting techniques, thus expanding the farmers’ overall capacity for sustainable agriculture.
Ambassador Arnaud Suquet highlighted the importance of agriculture for employment and food security in Kenya. He noted that the partnership between France, through Proparco, and EGF will significantly aid small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs. He affirmed, “This project illustrates that our steadfast partnership with Equity Group will allow local businesses to thrive and grassroots initiatives to emerge.”
Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, expressed satisfaction in reinforcing the partnership with Equity Group, recognizing its pivotal role in supporting local agricultural actors. He stated, “Our technical support backs this approach, and we thank EGF for its trust.”
Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group, referred to this partnership as a significant milestone for farmer empowerment. He emphasized the need for smallholder farmers to receive support in navigating agricultural risks, declaring, “By embracing climate-smart agriculture, we will empower farmers to increase their productivity.” This partnership is aimed at fostering a sustainable future for communities and nations alike.
In summary, the collaboration between Proparco and Equity Group through the CRAFS project represents a significant investment in Kenya’s agriculture sector. The focus on sustainable practices and climate-smart agriculture is designed to empower smallholder farmers, thereby enhancing productivity and resilience in the face of climate challenges. This initiative not only supports individual farmers but is also a crucial step towards bolstering the overall economic framework of rural communities in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
