Kenya seeks to boost climate resilience in the farming sector with a $2.08 million grant aimed at providing farmers and agribusinesses with climate information.
The grant falls under the Climate Smart Agribusiness Partnerships for Resilience (CSAPR) initiative and aims to strengthen Climate Information Systems across the agricultural value chain. It is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
A deal has been signed by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and IFAD Country Director for Kenya, Matteo Marchisio. The initiative seeks to close the gap between the availability of weather and climate information and its use by farmers and other actors in the agricultural sector.
Farmers will be able to use accurate and timely climate information to decide when to plant, what to grow, when to irrigate and how to adapt to droughts and floods.
“This funding will enable farmers and agribusinesses to access and use climate information to manage climate-related risks and improve productivity,” Mbadi stated after the signing.
Agribusinesses will be able to improve their sourcing, storage, processing and distribution operations using accurate climate information.
The agricultural sector remains vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged dry periods and other climate shocks. This initiative seeks to connect climate services with the agricultural value chain so that forecasts can be used more effectively.
It will work alongside the Integrated Natural Resources Management Program (INReMP), which aims to improve the sustainable management of natural resources and enhance rural livelihoods in specific counties.
Overall, the initiative seeks to strengthen resilience in rural areas and improve livelihoods through sustainable natural resource management. Integrating climate information into the agricultural sector could help farmers and agribusinesses make more informed decisions.
The proposed funding comes as the government and development partners seek to improve productivity in the agricultural sector, increase food security and protect rural communities.
However, details have not been provided on when the grant will be rolled out, the specific counties it will target, how many people it is expected to benefit or the interventions it will support. Further details on the implementation plan, target beneficiaries and planned interventions will be needed to assess how the grant will benefit farmers and agribusinesses in Kenya.
– By John Murunga
