Farmers in Isiolo, Garissa, and seven other counties are set to benefit from a Sh6.3 billion ($49 million) grant from USAID under a five-year program aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting agribusiness in vulnerable regions of Kenya.
The Kenya Feed the Future Local Food Systems project will support over 600,000 farmers in counties including Isiolo, Garissa, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Makueni, Migori, and Siaya. The initiative focuses on enhancing farming practices, boosting food production, and creating economic opportunities.
Elizabeth Eckert, USAID’s Chief of Party for the program, highlighted the importance of agriculture in Kenya’s economy, noting that the agri-food sector contributes over half of the nation’s GDP and employs more than 70% of the rural population. The program seeks to harness this potential to drive inclusive economic growth and improve access to nutritious food.
The initiative will provide farmers and entrepreneurs with access to modern agricultural technologies and improved management practices, aiming to increase their incomes by 50%. Additionally, the project will enhance the flow of food, goods, and services within the targeted counties.
USAID is collaborating with TechnoServe, a non-profit organization specializing in regenerative agriculture and food processing, to implement the program. Kris Ansin, TechnoServe’s Kenya country director, emphasized the project’s transformative potential for Kenya’s food systems.
Through this grant, USAID aims to make a significant impact on both immediate food security needs and the long-term development of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
