International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) East and Southern Africa Office

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) East and Southern Africa Office is a UN specialized agency that supports rural development, smallholder farmers, and inclusive agribusiness. In Kenya, it plays a vital role in improving productivity, market access, and rural livelihoods.

IFAD provides financing through loans, grants, and technical assistance. It supports cooperatives, small and medium agribusinesses, and financial intermediaries that serve smallholder farmers. This enables farmers to access inputs, improve production, and reach local and international markets.

The organization also provides advisory services to strengthen governance, management, and operational capacity. Its programs ensure that investments deliver both financial sustainability and measurable social and environmental impact.

In Kenya, IFAD has supported initiatives such as the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) program, which provides training, input support, and market linkages to horticulture farmers. It has also invested in projects promoting climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, and post-harvest handling to increase yields and reduce losses. These initiatives improve incomes and resilience for rural communities.

Accessing IFAD support typically involves collaboration with government agencies, cooperatives, or implementing partners. Applicants must demonstrate a viable business model, clear development impact, and alignment with IFAD’s focus on inclusive, sustainable agricultural development.

Through its financing, technical assistance, and partnerships, IFAD strengthens agribusinesses and rural communities. Consequently, it plays a critical role in Kenya’s agricultural development, supporting food security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.