A strength of the Kenyan network is that its members include both NGOs and banks. They have agreed to work towards the development of new financial products and improve the knowledge of agri-finance in general. Therefore, in 2010, several members of the network, including SCOPEinsight and Oikocredit, decided to study the obstacles to credit provision to farmers. They concluded that Kenyan farmers lack access to credits that are specifically tailored to their products and circumstances. SCOPEinsight conducts a pilot project on the development of new financial products with four farmers’ organisations that are specialised in growing coffee, pineapple and mango.

Collaboration within the Kenya Agri-ProFocus network is organised around four themes: Financial Services; Policy Engagement; Agri-Business Facilitation and ICT-related Business Development. Each theme is addressed through different approaches, which include linking up stakeholders to work together, research and case documentation, and product development.

The Kenya Agri-Hub has created a structure to facilitate the development of agri-businesses. The ‘Business Minds’ consortium, a cooperation of East African and Dutch knowledge institutes, published case studies that document existing experience about the opportunities and pitfalls of agri-business in Kenya. Agri-ProFocus has invited farmers to develop an 18 months’ learning plan, making use of this documentation. This ‘learning cycle’ is expected to produce 15 cases of good practices by the end of 2011. These cases can then be used to inspire other network members and to strengthen their work.

The Agri-ProFocus network decided that ICT-based technology that can enable smallholders’ access to Business Development Services (BDS) is an important future area of work. During the Agri-ProFocus Kenya network day in 2010, members gave their input for this theme and a trajectory to develop relevant ICT-based solutions has started.

About Kenya

Agriculture remains the most important economic activity in Kenya. About 80% of the country’s work force is involved in agriculture or food processing. Farming in Kenya is typically carried out by small producers. Reforming the agricultural sector is considered a priority for Kenya. The central theme of the government’s Agricultural Sector Development Strategy is called “farming as a business”.