News in Brief:
– A new project by the African Development Bank will distribute fertiliser and other supplies to over 100,000 small-scale farmers in Kenya by 2026.
– This initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity, improve access to finance, and promote sustainable farming practices.
A new project aims to boost agricultural productivity and financial access for small-scale farmers in Kenya. The Fertilizer Financing for Sustainable Agricultural Management Project, launched by the African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) of the African Development Bank (AfDB), will see the distribution of 7,928 tonnes of organic fertiliser to 106,000 farmers by 2026.
Kenyan agritech company Apollo Agriculture will implement the project, utilising a $2 million partial credit guarantee and a $219,000 grant from the AFFM, alongside their own contribution. This funding will enable the distribution of fertiliser, certified seeds, crop protection products, and crop insurance through a network of retailers and village agents using the company’s digital platform.
The project also offers credit guarantees to participating farmers, allowing them to purchase agricultural inputs on credit with instant approval through Apollo’s digital tools. Additionally, the initiative promotes soil health management, extension services, and data collection to support long-term sustainability.
This project aligns with the AfDB’s Feeding Africa: Strategy for Africa’s Agricultural Transformation aimed at eradicating hunger and rural poverty in Africa by 2025.
