Initiative targets to boost over 300,000 farming families in Kenya

Farmers across 34 counties in the country are set to benefit from a transformative partnership spearheaded by the Council of Governors (CoG), Tupande One Acre Fund and the MasterCard Foundation.

The initiative aims to uplift over 300,000 farming families by promoting high-value crop production, improving market access, and leveraging technology to attract more youths into farming.

According to Ms Yael Hartmann, the Global Director of Government Relations and Policy at Tupande One Acre Fund, the collaboration focuses on empowering farmers to grow high-value crops such as vegetables and tomatoes while ensuring they earn competitive prices for their produce through aggregation and market access.

“We are committed to ensuring farmers achieve profitability by focusing on high-value crops and streamlining their access to markets. Through this partnership, we are also introducing technology to inspire and attract the youth into farming,” Ms Hartmann said.

The director was speaking at a hotel in Nyeri town during a conference attended by hundreds of youths and farmers.

In Nyeri County, Tupande One Acre Fund is already working with over 7,500 farming families.

“During the long rains, we distributed farm inputs worth over Sh32 million to support farmers in adopting high-value crops,” said Ms Hartmann.

CoG vice chairman Mutahi Kahiga emphasized the importance of youth participation in agriculture, noting that many young people have shied away from farming due to challenges such as limited access to credit, low-quality inputs, and outdated farming techniques.

“Our goal is to bring the youth into farming. This partnership will provide affordable credit, high-quality seeds, and access to modern farming techniques. By doing so, we can transform farming into an appealing and profitable venture for the younger generation,” the Nyeri Governor said.

Mr Kahiga said that the 34 county governments have established effective departments to roll out the program and ensure its success.

“In Nyeri County, for instance, coffee and tea farming have thrived. But youths prefer short-term crops that yield quick returns. This program will enable them to explore other viable options in agriculture,” the governor noted.

The initiative aligns with a broader vision to modernize farming in Kenya while addressing the unique challenges faced by young farmers.

By focusing on technology, aggregation, and high-value crops, the program not only aims to boost agricultural productivity but also to secure the future of farming for the next generation.

Farmers and stakeholders have lauded the partnership as a timely intervention to address systemic issues in the agricultural sector.

With over 300,000 families targeted, the program promises to be a game-changer for farming communities across the country.