EU, IFAD roll out US$4.6M soil health programme for Kenyan farmers

KENYA – The Government of Kenya, working with the European Union and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has launched a US$4.6 million soil health and agroecology programme to strengthen climate ready farming and farmer incomes.

The programme targets 40,000 smallholder farmers across Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Embu, Kilifi, Makueni and Taita Taveta counties over the next three years.

Officials launched the Investing in Livelihood Resilience and Soil Health initiative in Kakamega County. The funding equals €4.3 million, converted at current rates to about US$4.6 million.

Speaking at the event, IFAD Kenya Country Director Mariatu Kamara said the initiative builds on earlier work rather than introducing a new approach. “This programme is not starting from scratch. We are building on what has already worked under KCEP CRAL and BOOST, and scaling it up to reach more farmers,” she said.

Kamara said the project will expand the use of digital e voucher systems that link farmers directly to private input suppliers. She said the system improves access to certified seeds, fertilisers, bio inputs and advisory services. “The e voucher system has proven to be an effective way of crowding in the private sector while ensuring farmers access quality inputs in a transparent and efficient manner,” she said.

Focus on soil health and productivity

EU officials said soil degradation continues to threaten food supply, rural incomes and the environment. They cited erosion, nutrient loss and poor farming practices as key causes of falling yields, especially in dry regions.

A representative from the State Department for Agriculture said the programme fits within national food security and land management goals. “Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable agriculture. This programme will help farmers restore soil fertility while increasing productivity and resilience to climate shocks,” the official said.

At county level, leaders welcomed the project. Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Moffat Mandela said the initiative will strengthen local farming systems. “This initiative is timely. It will help our farmers adopt soil friendly and climate smart practices while improving yields and household incomes,” he said.

The programme will promote soil testing, integrated soil fertility management, agroforestry, improved post harvest handling and stronger extension services.

Link to national fertilizer subsidy

The soil health launch comes days after the government flagged off a national fertilizer subsidy programme to support farmers ahead of the long rains season.

The government has started distributing three million 50 kilogram bags to key farming regions, with plans to reach 12.5 million bags over the year. The programme has a budget of KSh 8.0 billion, equal to about US$53.3 million.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh Paul said early delivery will help farmers plant on time. “We are ensuring that farmers get fertilizer early so they can plant during the long rains,” he said.

Farmers attending both initiatives said better soil management and lower input costs could stabilise yields and protect food supply if training and delivery remain consistent.

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