Alive Program Boosts Food Security for Smallholder Farmers in Tana River

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Kerry and Concern Worldwide, through their partnership, the Alive Program, championing sustainable nutrition, are empowering smallholder farming communities in Tana River County.

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, smallholder farmers produce 70-80% of Kenya’s total agricultural output, including domestic food and key exports like tea, coffee, and horticulture.

However, small-scale farmers are dogged by climate shocks, limited access to resources, and unpredictable market prices, further impacting the availability of food and the nutritional health of families, particularly women and children.

Consequently, the four-year initiative, set to improve the food and nutrition security for an estimated 6,000 people, provides farmers with essential support, including training in climate-smart agricultural practices, improving their access to quality farm inputs, and establishing stronger links to reliable markets.

Kerry is a world leader in taste and nutrition for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. Emphasizing the company’s commitment to making a local impact, Marketing Director Africa for Fawzia Jamal says, “We are committed to improving the lives of farmers and their families in Tana River by removing the barriers they face.”

She further highlights that the program’s focus on climate-smart solutions and crucial health and nutrition support will create lasting value for those most affected by food insecurity.

“We are proud to partner with Concern Worldwide to implement innovative solutions that help make Zero Hunger a reality in Kenya,” she adds.

Moreover, working to transform the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people, Ireland’s largest international humanitarian organization, Concern Worldwide, is actively transforming lives in 25 of the world’s poorest countries.

Noting the impact of the ALIVE Program on livelihoods in Tana River, Alex Ogeto, Country Program Manager for Concern Worldwide, said, “With the potential for scaling, an initiative like this could empower communities and help feed millions across Kenya.”