IFAD approves additional US$55M for Kenya livestock programme

KENYA – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved approximately US$55 million in additional financing for the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Program (KeLCoP), bringing its total funding for the programme to about US$110 million.

The additional financing will consolidate progress made since the programme began in 2021 and expand its reach to more livestock-producing communities across Kenya.

KeLCoP addresses constraints affecting livestock producers by supporting the adoption of improved breeds and better production practices, while strengthening commercialisation skills and access to markets for farmers and livestock businesses.

The programme currently benefits more than 100,000 rural households across 10 counties.

The new financing is expected to extend programme activities to an additional 50,000 households, increasing the number of rural families benefiting from interventions aimed at improving livestock production and commercialisation.

IFAD said more than half of the programme’s beneficiaries are expected to be women, while about one-third will be young people.

Strengthening livestock production

The programme combines improvements in livestock production with efforts to connect producers to markets, helping farmers and businesses build stronger commercial links.

Improved breeds and production practices can contribute to higher livestock productivity, while better market access can provide producers with opportunities to generate greater value from livestock and livestock products.

The expanded programme will build on these interventions as KeLCoP extends its geographic coverage.

The additional financing also comes as Kenya continues to focus on raising livestock productivity and strengthening livestock value chains. 

Access to quality animal nutrition, animal health services, improved genetics and appropriate production practices remains important to achieving higher productivity at farm level.

By expanding support to another 50,000 households, the programme is expected to increase the number of livestock producers receiving assistance with production, commercialisation and market access.

The increased focus on women and young people also places these groups at the centre of the programme’s expansion, with their participation expected to account for a significant share of the additional beneficiaries.

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