Equity Group and Proparco Provide €1 Million Grant to Boost Climate Smart Agriculture in Kenya

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Equity Group and Proparco have announced a €1 million technical assistance grant to support smallholder farmers in adopting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices.

The grant, provided through Equity Group Foundation (EGF), is set to empower thousands of farmers annually under the Climate Resilient AgriFood Systems (CRAFS) project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity, building climate resilience, and promoting sustainability.

The agreement, signed by Proparco, a French development finance institution and subsidiary of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, and Equity Group, one of East Africa’s leading financial service providers, seeks to address the growing challenges of climate change in agriculture, such as erratic weather patterns, droughts, and soil degradation.

“Proparco is very pleased to strengthen its partnership with a long-standing client and leading player on the African continent, Equity Group,” said Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa.

“Through its Foundation, Equity participates in concrete change by supporting Kenyan actors in agriculture, from small farmers to innovators. Our technical support backs this approach, and we thank EGF for its trust.” he added.

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The €1 million grant will fund technical assistance efforts led by Equity Group Foundation, which has a solid track record in advancing social impact initiatives across sectors such as health, education, financial inclusion, and agriculture.

Through the CRAFS project, EGF will provide training, tools, and resources to help farmers transition to Climate Smart Agriculture in Kenya, a vital approach that combines sustainable farming practices with strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change.

Key Objectives of the CRAFS Project:

Boosting Productivity: The program will introduce climate-adapted farming techniques like drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation systems, and better soil management to help farmers increase yields sustainably.
Enhancing Resilience: The initiative aims to reduce climate-related risks by promoting adaptive practices, ensuring food security and stable incomes for farming communities.
Sustainability: The project will support eco-friendly practices such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture to combat environmental degradation and contribute to Kenya’s climate goals.

This latest grant builds on the long-standing partnership between Proparco and Equity Group. Past collaborations include a €39 million guarantee facility in 2021 to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and a €550,000 technical assistance grant to enhance EGF’s health programs.

The current investment in agriculture further aligns with Proparco’s “Choose Africa” initiative, which aims to foster inclusive growth across the continent.

With agriculture forming the backbone of Kenya’s economy, smallholder farmers play a crucial role in ensuring national food security. However, they remain among the most vulnerable to climate change due to limited access to modern farming technologies and financing.

This initiative not only addresses these challenges but also supports Kenya’s development priorities and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).