Proparco grants €1 Million Technical Assistance To Equity Group Foundation To Help Kenyan smallholder farmers transition to Climate-Smart Agriculture

Proparco and Equity Group have signed an agreement today, granting technical assistance of one million euros to Equity Group Foundation (EGF) for the implementation of its high-impact project, “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS).

This partnership with a long-standing client, Equity Group, aims to support small Kenyan farmers in the adoption of sustainable practices. The signing ceremony took place today, March 18, 2025, in Nairobi, in the presence of H.E. Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya, Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa and Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group.

Agriculture is a key driver of Kenya’s economic development, accounting for approximately 30% of the GDP and 45% of export earnings. As the backbone of rural livelihoods, it sustains 75% of rural communities and employs over 70% of the rural workforce, 60% of whom are women and youth.

Equity Group Foundation (EGF) is a Kenya based not-for-profit foundation established in 2008 as the social arm of Equity Group Holdings. It seeks to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa. EGF implements high-impact development programs, such as “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS) project, which will help Kenyan smallholder farmers adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). This approach boosts productivity, enhances resilience to climate shocks, and reduces agricultural emissions through sustainable practices.

The CRAFS project, led by EGF in collaboration with Equity Group, will provide training, financial access, and knowledge exchange to support small-scale producers. A dedicated field team will ensure on-the-ground implementation, while suppliers and value chain actors play a key role in empowering farmers and micro-businesses.

Targeting 15,000 farmers annually engaged in livestock or crop value chains, the project will provide training, sensitization, access to finance, linkage and knowledge exchange around productive use of energy, sustainable production practices, waste to energy and water harvesting and management.

H.E. the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, said: “In a country where agriculture is critical for employment, food security, environment, and foreign currency earning, the collaboration between France through Proparco and EGF will be key to support SMEs and entrepreneurship. This project illustrates that our steadfast partnership with Equity Group will allow local businesses to thrive and grassroots initiatives to emerge in sectors such as agriculture but also health, higher education, fintech, and renewable energy. I commend Dr. James Mwangi and Equity Group for our fruitful cooperation!”

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

Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, said: “This partnership with Proparco is another milestone in a journey of people and nations. It’s about farmers, families, communities, and nations gaining the knowledge and support to thrive in a changing world. By embracing Climate-Smart Agriculture, we will empower farmers to increase their productivity, build resilience against climate shocks, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Smallholder farmers need support to mitigate agricultural risks, and we are committed to helping them navigate these challenges.”

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