Proparco and Equity Group have signed an agreement granting technical assistance to Equity Group Foundation (EGF) for the implementation of its high-impact project, the “Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems” (CRAFS).
In a press release, Proparco said that the technical assistance partnership of €1 million (approximately Ksh141.26 billion) with Equity Gropu, a long-standing client aims to support small Kenyan farmers in the adoption of sustainable practices.
The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Nairobi, in the presence of French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, and Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi.
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.
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 CRAFS project, which will help Kenyan smallholder farmers adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).
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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.
More about the Equity Group Foundation’s Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems project
In addition, 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.
“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 supporting SMEs and entrepreneurship,” said Arnaud Suquet.
“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!”
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On his part, Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat said that Equity through its foundation participates in concrete change by supporting Kenyan actors in agriculture, from small farmers to innovators, adding that Proparco’s technical support backs this approach.
Dr James Mwangi said that the partnership with Proparco is 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,” the Equity Group CEO said.
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