Kenya is set to receive billions of shillings to support farmers after President William Ruto held talks with Alvaro Lario in Rome, Italy
In a statement shared after the meeting, Ruto said agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods and playing a key role in the fight against poverty.
He noted that the government is focused on giving farmers the tools they need to earn more, produce more food and adopt better farming methods.
“We have partnered with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in supporting agriculture as part of our efforts to expand financing sources for transforming agri-food systems,” he explained.
According to the President, IFAD has agreed to invest about $40 million (KSh5.2 billion) towards development of the nation’s dairy industry.
President Ruto also expressed delight over plans to launch another programme aimed at benefiting thousands of smallholder farmers. The second phase of the initiative is set to be launched within the next three years at an estimated cost of $263 million (KSh34 billion).
These funds will be allocated to ensure that farmers can become more productive by developing efficient value chain networks and accessing markets for agricultural opportunities.
According to the President, these kinds of initiatives are essential in guaranteeing food security, while at the same time providing the farmers with increased income.
These are among the initiatives being undertaken by the government towards transforming agriculture.
