FCDO – Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Kenya)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the United Kingdom’s government department responsible for international development. In Kenya, it supports agriculture, agribusiness, and rural livelihoods through grants, technical assistance, and development programs. Its goal is to improve food security, strengthen value chains, and promote sustainable farming practices.

FCDO funds initiatives that benefit smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. For example, it supports Plantwise and PlantwisePlus, programs that help farmers control pests and diseases such as fall armyworm and coffee berry borer. These initiatives provide training, knowledge, and biological control tools, helping farmers increase yields and improve crop quality.

In addition, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office invests in regional agricultural trade projects through COMESA, which facilitates cross-border trade of key commodities including maize, rice, soya, beans, and sorghum. This allows Kenyan agribusinesses to access larger markets while meeting trade standards. Furthermore, FCDO supports agricultural innovation, such as low-cost soil fertility sensors, which help farmers optimize nutrient management and boost productivity.

Farmers and agribusinesses typically access FCDO support through partnerships with local cooperatives, research organizations, NGOs, and implementing agencies. These collaborations ensure that smallholder farmers receive training, advisory services, and linkages to markets.

As a result, FCDO plays a vital role in Kenya’s agrifood system. By combining funding, research, technical support, and market facilitation, it helps smallholders, cooperatives, and agribusinesses grow. This approach improves incomes, strengthens agricultural resilience, and enhances food security across rural communities.