Proparco and Equity Group have signed an agreement, granting technical assistance of Sh141, 260,000 to Equity Group Foundation (EGF) for the implementation of its high-impact project, “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS) to support small Kenyan farmers in the adoption of sustainable practices.
The signing ceremony took place in Nairobi, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat and the CEO Equity Group, Dr. James Mwangi.
Agriculture is considered as a key driver of Kenya’s economic development, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 45 percent of export earnings.
Particularly, 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 Foundation (EGF) in implementing high-impact development programs, such as the CRAFS project, intends to assist Kenyan smallholder farmers adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), an approach set to boost productivity, enhance resilience to climate shocks, and reduce agricultural emissions through sustainable practices.
Further, the CRAFS project will provide training, financial access, and knowledge exchange to support small-scale producers upon which a dedicated field team will ensure on-the-ground implementation, while suppliers and value chain actors play a key role in empowering farmers and micro-businesses.
Targeting 15,000 farmers annually engaged in livestock or crop value chains, the project will additionally provide sensitization and linkage around productive use of energy, sustainable production practices, waste to energy and water harvesting and management.
The French Ambassador to Kenya maintained that a in 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.
“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,” he stated.
On the other hand, the Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, expressed that Proparco is pleased to strengthen its partnership with a long-standing client and leading player on the African continent, Equity Group and 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,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, noted that this partnership with Proparco is another milestone in a journey of people and nations.
Dr. Mwangi emphasized that the partnership is about farmers, families, communities and nations gaining the knowledge and support to thrive in a changing world.
“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,” assured Dr. Mwangi, insisting that smallholder farmers need support to mitigate agricultural risks and Equity is committed to helping them navigate these challenges.
By Michael Omondi
