Small-scale farmers in Kenya are set to receive training, financial support, and knowledge on best industry practices under a €1 million (about KES141.3 million) partnership between Equity Group and French development financier Proparco.

The funding, which will be managed through the Equity Group Foundation (EGF), will support the rollout of the Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) project, which aims to assist 15,000 farmers annually in livestock and crop value chains. 

The initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, including efficient energy use, waste-to-energy solutions, water management, and climate-resilient farming practices.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Equity Group and Proparco said the initiative seeks to help small-scale farmers transition to more sustainable agricultural methods amid growing climate challenges.

“Through its Foundation, Equity participates in concrete change by supporting Kenyan actors in agriculture, from small farmers to innovators. Our technical support backs this approach, and we thank EGF for its trust," explained Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director, East Africa. 

Established in 2008, Equity Group Foundation seeks to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa by implementing high-impact development programs in health, education and well as agriculture among other areas.

At the moment, the agricultural industry accounts for about 30 percent of Kenya's GDP, contributing roughly 45 percent of the country's export earnings. As the backbone of rural livelihoods, it sustains 75 percent of rural communities and employs over 70 percent of the rural workforce, 60 percent of whom are women and youth.

Equity Group CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, lauded the partnership, stating, "By embracing Climate-Smart Agriculture, we will empower farmers to increase their productivity, build resilience against climate shocks, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Smallholder farmers need support to mitigate agricultural risks, and we are committed to helping them navigate these challenges."

French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, who graced the signing ceremony said: “In a country where agriculture is critical for employment, food security, environment and foreign currency earning, the collaboration between France through Proparco and EGF will be key to support SMEs and entrepreneurship. 

He added, "This project illustrates that our steadfast partnership with Equity Group will allow local businesses to thrive and grassroot initiatives to emerge in sectors such as agriculture but also health, higher education, fintech and renewable energy.”

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