A new initiative between the devolved units and Farm Africa is set to transform farming practices in Laikipia, Meru, and Kirinyaga counties, with over 100,000 people expected to benefit directly from the project.
The partnership, funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), is focused on the “Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain Enterprises (SAVES)” project, which was officially launched yesterday in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
Farm Africa’s project coordinator, Patrick Nyaga, briefed the Laikipia County acting agriculture executive, Edwin Kasoo, at the County headquarters in Rumuruti. Nyaga indicated that the project is set to directly benefit 120,000 farmers, with 50 percent of them being women and 20 percent youth. Additionally, around 400,000 people are anticipated to benefit indirectly from the SAVES initiative across the three counties.
“The project aims to improve sustainable farming practices, equip smallholder farmers with advanced farming techniques, and enhance market access and profitability,” Nyaga explained. “Furthermore, it will create 12,616 jobs, which will greatly contribute to economic empowerment and financial stability in the region.”
Winnie Gathoni, a program officer with AGRA, highlighted that the initiative will connect farmers with buyers, cut down reliance on intermediaries, and employ digital tools to provide timely market information.
“This will help farmers make well-informed decisions, negotiate better prices, and minimize post-harvest losses,” Gathoni said. She added that the project will also focus on cultivating high-demand crops to ensure a stable market and reduce the risks of oversupply and price fluctuations.
To restore soil health and enhance carbon sequestration, the project will advocate for climate-smart farming techniques such as regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.
Dr. Abed Kiwia, a program officer at AGRA, emphasized, “These practices aim to boost biodiversity, creating a more sustainable agricultural environment.”
Kiwia highlighted the need for farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns, noting, “We need to revisit our strategies to help farmers manage the rapid shifts from drought to flooding.” He pointed out that while drought-resistant crops have long been advocated, the increasing frequency of flooding due to climate change now presents a significant challenge.
The project will support farmers through training programs delivered by 600 village-based advisors and will equip them with the skills necessary for sustainable farming and agribusiness.
