In a landmark initiative to enhance agricultural sustainability, Proparco has awarded €1 million in technical assistance to Equity Group Foundation (EGF) to support the implementation of its transformative Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) project. This partnership aims to equip Kenyan smallholder farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)—boosting productivity, improving resilience to climate shocks, and reducing agricultural emissions through sustainable practices.
The agreement was officially signed today in Nairobi, in the presence of H.E. Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya, Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, and Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group. This collaboration reflects a strong commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening rural economies, and fostering climate resilience within Kenya’s agricultural sector.
A Vital Boost for Kenya’s Agricultural Backbone
Agriculture is the lifeblood of Kenya’s economy, contributing 30% of GDP and 45% of export earnings. It supports 75% of rural communities, providing employment to over 70% of the rural workforce, with women and youth making up 60% of this demographic. Given its crucial role, building resilience against climate change is essential for sustaining food security, economic stability, and environmental protection.
Equity Group Foundation, the social arm of Equity Group Holdings, was established in 2008 to drive impactful community programs. Through CRAFS, EGF will equip small-scale farmers with training, financial access, and innovative agricultural solutions, ensuring their long-term success in the face of climate challenges.
A Holistic Approach to Climate-Smart Farming
The CRAFS project will directly support 15,000 smallholder farmers annually, focusing on livestock and crop value chains. Key areas of intervention include:
- Training and Awareness – Educating farmers on sustainable agricultural techniques.
- Access to Finance – Providing tailored financial solutions to enable investment in climate-smart practices.
- Energy and Water Management – Promoting productive use of energy, waste-to-energy solutions, and improved water harvesting methods.
- Value Chain Strengthening – Connecting farmers with suppliers and agricultural value chain players to enhance market access.
A dedicated field team will oversee the implementation of these initiatives, ensuring on-the-ground impact and long-term sustainability.
Strengthening Franco-Kenyan Cooperation
Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya, underscored the importance of this collaboration:
“In a country where agriculture is vital for employment, food security, and economic growth, France—through Proparco—is proud to partner with Equity Group Foundation. This initiative will not only support SMEs and grassroots entrepreneurship in agriculture but also in key sectors such as health, higher education, fintech, and renewable energy. I commend Dr. James Mwangi and Equity Group for their unwavering commitment to driving positive change.”
Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, emphasized the significance of strengthening ties with a trusted partner:
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“Proparco is honored to reinforce its partnership with Equity Group, a leader in African finance and development. By empowering smallholder farmers with technical assistance and financial support, we are driving meaningful change in Kenya’s agricultural sector. We appreciate EGF’s trust and look forward to the impact this initiative will create.”
A Commitment to Sustainable Growth
Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group, highlighted the broader vision of the initiative:
“This partnership with Proparco marks another milestone in our journey of transforming lives. Smallholder farmers are at the heart of Kenya’s agricultural sector, yet they face increasing challenges from climate change. By embracing Climate-Smart Agriculture, we will equip them with the skills and resources they need to thrive. Our goal is to empower farmers to increase their productivity, build resilience, and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
With Proparco’s support, Equity Group Foundation is poised to drive lasting change—ensuring Kenyan farmers have access to the knowledge, funding, and tools necessary to navigate climate risks and unlock new opportunities. This initiative not only advances food security but also strengthens economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and the future of Kenyan agriculture.
By investing in climate-smart solutions, Proparco and Equity Group are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector—one farmer at a time.