In a significant move aimed at enhancing food security in Kenya, the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism has initiated a project set to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers in the country. The project, which involves a credit guarantee of $2 million, is expected to boost harvests and incomes for farmers in need of fertilizers.
Marie Claire Kalihangabo, Coordinator of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, highlighted the importance of the credit risk guarantee, stating, “The credit risk guarantee also provides finance directly to smallholder farmers at the last mile of delivery. It offers fertilizer, certified seed crop protection, and insurance against crop failure.”
The project, supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation with a contribution of $10.15 million, aims to provide financial support to Apollo Agriculture Limited, a Kenyan corporation. Nnenna Nwabufo, Director General of the African Development Bank’s East Africa regional office, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Bank's Feed Africa Strategy, aiming to increase food production and security in Kenya.
Benjamin Njenga, co-founder of Apollo Agriculture, explained the process by which farmers can access farming supplies, stating, "We believe increased and proper fertilizer use can significantly impact food supply and household income."
Gunnar Holm, the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of proper fertilizer use in enhancing food supply and household income. The project's goal is to connect farmers with fertilizers and other inputs through Apollo's digital platform, benefiting a network of agro-dealers and village-based agents in Kenya.
Peter Owoko, Director of Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, announced the government's commitment to enhancing food security by providing up to 12.5 million tons of fertilizers to farmers under the subsidy program during the 2024 cropping seasons.
The project, which is already underway in Kenya's Bungoma and Uasin Gishu counties, is expected to positively impact maize production, with high hopes for increased yields in the upcoming harvest season starting in September 2024. This initiative aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030, recognizing agriculture as a crucial driver of economic growth and food security in the country.
Alerts Sign-up