Farmers in Isiolo, Garissa, seven other counties to receive Sh6.3 billion USAID grant

Isiolo and Garissa are among nine counties where over 600,000 farmers will benefit from a Sh6.3 billion ($49 million) grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

This five-year programme aims to tackle food insecurity and enhance agribusiness in some of Kenya's most vulnerable regions.

The Kenya Feed the Future Local Food Systems project will focus on improving farming practices, increasing food production, and boosting economic opportunities for farmers in Isiolo, Garissa, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Makueni, Migori and Siaya.

Elizabeth Eckert, USAID's Chief of Party for the programme, said agriculture plays an important role in Kenya's economy.

"Food systems are critical to Kenya's economic development, as the agri-food sector contributes to more than half of the nation's GDP and employs over 70 per cent of the rural population," she said.

"Kenya's agri-food sector has the potential to support inclusive and resilient economic growth and deliver nutritious diets to vulnerable populations."

New agricultural technologies

The initiative will provide farmers and local entrepreneurs with access to new agricultural technologies and better management practices, aimed at increasing their incomes by 50 per cent.

By addressing key challenges, the programme hopes to stimulate growth in Kenya's agricultural sector, especially in the selected counties.

To implement the programme, USAID has partnered with TechnoServe, a non-profit organisation known for its work in regenerative agriculture and food processing.

Kris Ansin, TechnoServe's Kenya country director, explained the significance of the project.

"The Feed the Future Initiative is exciting because it combines our expertise with that of our partners to help transform the country's food systems," he said.

The programme will also invest in improving the flow of food, goods, and services into the nine counties, thereby boosting the overall agricultural landscape of Kenya.

Through this grant, USAID aims to make a major contribution to both short-term food security and long-term agricultural growth in Kenya.

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