US pledges Sh3.4 billion to improve agriculture value chains

At least 500,000 farmers are set to benefit from Sh3.4 billion that the United States government has committed to invest in propping up value chains of staple crops, dairy and horticulture.

The money will be disbursed to farmers across 22 counties by US Agency for International Development under its Kenya Agricultural Value Chains Enterprises which seeks to increase productivity and shore up incomes of smallholder farmers.

“This is part of our shared goal with the Government of Kenya to help transform the lives of millions of Kenyans by ensuring they live in food secure households, eat nutritious food, and support their families, no matter their age or gender,” US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said at the launch of the project in Kisumu on Friday.

Mr Godec who was accompanied by livestock production director Julius Kiptarus, said the initiative would contribute to economic stability, food security and improved nutrition.

The Kenya Agricultural Value Chains targets small scale farmers of Bomet, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kericho and Bungoma.

Other counties are Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Nyamira, Kisii and Migori in the Western region, and Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta.

Mr Godec said the investment represented part of the US’s drive to promote agriculture-led growth that also includes expansion of markets and trade as part of President Obama’s Feed the Future Initiative aimed at reducing hunger, poverty, and under nutrition.

During the programme’s launch, Mr Godec pledged additional Sh25.5 million ($300,000) from President Obama’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to finance 30,000 young women start small businesses.