Article by Dinfin Mulupi
USAID project in Kenya will help local farmers of various fruit & vegetables to improve their production capacity and competitiveness in the market.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) offers economic assistance to support developing countries. USAID has assisted nations in Africa and across the world to undertake economic reforms and projects aimed at reducing poverty.
One of its latest projects in Kenya will help local horticulture farmers improve their production and competitiveness in the global market. The USAID has recently launched a Ksh. 2.5 billion (approximately $32 Million) programme to be rolled out through the Kenya Horticulture Competitiveness Project (KHCP).
The new USAID –KHCP project will run until 2015. Over 200, 000 farmers will benefit through the project which entails the introduction of new seed varieties, the implementation of capacity building and new farming techniques aimed at improving production and the export of horticultural produce.
Farmers in Thika, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Bungoma and Kibwezi are among those who will benefit from the five year project.
Reforming past problems previously encountered in the agricultural sector, the Kenya Horticulture Competitiveness Project seeks to develop new technologies in partnership with private sector.
This will include the introduction of mini greenhouses to enable farmers to harvest better yields of fruits, vegetables and flowers subsequently boosting their income earnings.
During the implementation of a similar programme undertaken between 2003- 2010, over 650,000 small-scale farmers benefitted from various reforms as well as low-cost greenhouses which were established across the country.
The programme brings together horticulture industry players such as grower associations, input suppliers, processors, exporters, research institutions and trade associations.
Photo by farmingmatters
edgar mshumbusi
November 8, 2010
thanks africa report for great news we need this program to be practised in tanzania
Philip
November 29, 2010
Thank you for the crucial and sensitive work that you are doing as this is one of the area that farmers face alot of challenges as these are perishable products.
I just requesting the project to be extended to Kirinyaga county as there is plenty of water.
Hope to hear more from you
esther wambui
February 7, 2011
Thanks for beautiful work USAID is doing. Very recommendable. How can I benefit from this program? I’m a small scale horticulture farmer in Gatundu district mainly concentrating on strawberries, watermellon, etc. I need assistance as I’m doing this on a kienyenji style.
Please help. Thanks
Africa Report Team
May 26, 2011
Hi Martin,
You can look for resources in our Directory and by placing a Marketplace advert on our website. You need to contact any resources directly, with a business plan and find out what their requirements are.
Here are instructions on How to make a Marketplace listing.
Africa Report Team
Aslan
October 13, 2011
I think you hit the bull’s eye there!