Heifer to push farmer-centred financing reforms at FINAS 2026 summit

KENYA – Heifer International Kenya is set to advocate for financing models that better serve smallholder farmers, women, youth and agrifood enterprises as the Financing Agri-food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) Summit 2026 opens today in Nairobi.

The three-day summit, running from June 30 to July 2 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), has brought together government officials, financial institutions, development partners, private sector players and farmer organisations to explore sustainable financing solutions for Africa’s food systems.

Heifer said its participation will focus on reshaping agricultural finance to reflect the realities farmers and agribusinesses face while promoting more inclusive and commercially viable financing systems.

The organisation will contribute to discussions on youth enterprise development, gender-responsive financing, sustainable livestock feed systems and innovative approaches to improving access to capital.

According to Heifer, many farmers and agrifood entrepreneurs continue to face barriers to accessing finance despite agriculture remaining a major source of employment and economic activity across Africa.

The organisation argues that financing alone is often insufficient to drive growth. It says access to skills, markets and business support must be integrated into financial solutions.

One of the sessions scheduled today will examine how combining finance with training and enterprise development can help young agripreneurs improve productivity and build sustainable businesses.

Another session on Wednesday will focus on gender-responsive financing. It will explore ways to address barriers that limit women’s access to financial services, assets, technology, and decision-making opportunities.

Heifer will also spotlight financing opportunities within Kenya’s feed and fodder sector during a dedicated session today.

The organisation says stronger investment in feed and fodder production is essential to improve the resilience and productivity of dairy and livestock value chains, particularly as producers face increasing climate-related challenges and rising production costs.

On the final day of the summit, Heifer will participate in discussions on closing the financing gap, often referred to as the “missing middle,” in which many growing agribusinesses struggle to secure the capital needed to expand.

The summit comes as governments, development agencies and financial institutions increasingly recognise the need for financing systems that support food security, job creation and agricultural transformation.

Heifer representatives participating include Kenya Country Director Wairimu Munyinyi-Wahome, Director of Innovative Finance for Africa Wangui Muna, Regional Access to Finance Delivery and Operations Lead Kevin Gituma, and TYFFAD Project Manager Joseph Mutua.

Through its participation in FINAS 2026, Heifer aims to promote practical financing approaches that strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, support agribusiness growth, and build more resilient agrifood systems across Africa.

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