FEED THE FUTURE KENYA CROPS AND DAIRY MARKET SYSTEMS ACTIVITY 1ST QUARTERLY REPORT, FY 2021

The program focuses on five priority areas: Competitive, Inclusive, and Resilient Market Systems; Diverse Agricultural Production and Improved Productivity; Policy Environment for Market Systems Development; Integration of Women and Youth into Agricultural Market Systems; and Collaborative Action and Learning for Market Systems Change. In the first quarter of FY 2021, the program made significant progress in enhancing market systems organization and coordination. Improved coordination and supplier-buyer linkages among market actors were achieved, facilitating traders and county-based businesses to form associations. Additionally, market diversification through cottage processing by farmer organizations was promoted. Capacity and profitability of lead firms, agribusinesses, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were also enhanced. Facilitating contractual linkages and accelerated business development services (BDS) support improved operational efficiency via the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Service market development for BDS and venture capital (VC) specific services was also supported. Access to financial services was improved through leveraging USG and private sector investment into agriculture. Financing agribusiness value chains training for agribusiness officers from partnering financial institutions was conducted, and collaboration with USAID-Kenya Investment Mechanism (KIM) to identify and showcase agricultural investment opportunities was established. Trade in domestic, regional, and international markets was facilitated through the rollout of the improved National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS). Supporting grant partners to stimulate demand for their products and services was also conducted, as well as supporting partners to market products through branding, media campaigns, and participation in international and domestic trade fairs and conferences. In the area of diverse production and improved productivity, enhanced production of targeted commodities, inclusive of youth and women, was achieved. Animal nutrition was promoted, and innovative products were developed. Private-sector embedded extension systems were promoted and adopted, and agricultural input supply systems were expanded. The program also focused on building a last-mile extension network through the Village Business Agent (VBA) model and providing value chain service provision. Diversification and access to diverse, safe, and nutritious foods were also promoted. In terms of policy environment for market systems development, national-level policy formulation systems were supported, and multi-stakeholder platforms and public-private dialogue forums were established. County-level policy implementation systems to support market systems were also developed, with KCDMS county-level policy intervention priorities and strategic plans being established. Finally, the program focused on integrating women and youth into agricultural market systems. Support for market facilitation and linkages for youth and women was provided, and increased access to agricultural inputs and productivity-enhancing technologies for youth and women was achieved.