STRENGTHENING FARM RESILIENCE THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development on Wednesday met key development partners AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa Food Systems, FIPS Africa, and the East African Grain Council—to align priorities ahead of the rollout of a major agricultural resilience programme.

The engagement focused on deepening collaboration, harmonising implementation strategies, and advancing farmer-centred solutions. The meeting was held as the County prepares to launch REGAIN, a three-year initiative set to benefit at least 65,000 smallholder farmers and 103 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Makueni County.

Implemented with support from AGRA, FIPS Africa and the Eastern African Grain Council, REGAIN seeks to boost incomes and strengthen resilience among agricultural producers through practical food loss reduction solutions. The programme will promote modern post-harvest handling technologies, improved storage systems and structured market linkages to reduce losses, enhance food security and raise profitability along the value chain.

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Elizabeth Muli, reaffirmed Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. commitment to work closely with development partners to ensure the project’s success and long-term sustainability.

She noted that strengthening agribusiness networks and addressing post-harvest losses would significantly improve farmer earnings and build resilience in the sector.

AGRA Country Acting Director, Dr Davies Muthini said strong partnerships and practical loss-reduction solutions are critical to transforming food systems and unlocking higher productivity and income growth for farmers.

The event was also attended by Ag. Agriculture Chief Officer Felistus Mutune, FIPS Africa Peter Githiri, EAGC’s Executive Director Gerald Masila among other officers.