CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)
CABI Kenya, the regional centre for sub-Saharan Africa, is part of the international, intergovernmental, not-for-profit organization CABI, which leverages scientific expertise to improve lives through sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Established formally in Nairobi in 1995, the centre addresses the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who make up over 80% of rural populations in Africa, including low crop yields, pests and diseases, limited access to markets, and changing climatic conditions. CABI Kenya works to enhance livelihoods through interventions that combine scientific research, knowledge dissemination, and practical solutions, fostering resilient, productive, and market-ready agricultural systems.
The centre champions initiatives such as Plantwise, which reduces crop losses by providing farmers and extension agents with access to up-to-date plant health information, and the Good Seed Initiative, which improves seed quality to increase yields. CABI also promotes sustainable approaches including biological pest control, invasive species management, and reduced pesticide use, creating both environmental and economic benefits.
Collaboration is central to CABI Kenya’s approach. The centre partners with government agricultural departments, research institutions, producer organizations, NGOs, and regulatory agencies, while also engaging international organizations and private-sector entities such as Rabobank and Illycafé. These partnerships ensure that projects are cost-effective, scalable, and aligned with global standards.
Through its work, CABI Kenya enhances farmers’ productivity, income, and market access while strengthening rural innovation and resilience. By integrating scientific knowledge with practical application, the centre plays a critical role in advancing sustainable agriculture, safeguarding plant health, and fostering social and economic development across the region, in line with CABI’s overarching mission to improve lives worldwide.