FAO launches $50m climate-resilient farming project to create 3,000 jobs in Kenya’s lake region
By Benon Ltamely
A major six-year climate-resilient agriculture programme led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is set to create 3,000 jobs and transform farming in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), boosting incomes and food security for millions.
The USD 50 million initiative — Transforming Livelihoods through Climate-Resilient, Low-Carbon Agricultural Value Chains — is funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Kenya, the Government of Denmark, and FAO. It will target 14 counties in the LREB, strengthening agricultural value chains in dairy, coffee, tea, poultry, fruit trees, and African leafy vegetables.
Over 143,000 farmers will receive training and support to adopt climate-smart technologies, improve productivity, and adapt to the worsening effects of climate change. The project is expected to directly benefit 2.7 million people, half of them women, by promoting sustainable farming techniques, enhancing market access, and improving household incomes.
Speaking during the launch in Kisumu County, FAO Representative in Kenya Nyabenyi Tipo said the programme would help bridge severe financial gaps in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
“Implementation of this project will focus on sustainable intensification, diversification, youth engagement, and strengthened cooperatives for impact,” she said. “Sustainable intensification is crucial for addressing climate change as it aims to increase food production on existing agricultural land while minimizing environmental impacts.”
Transforming farming under climate stress
The densely populated LREB region is heavily dependent on agriculture, but rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, floods, and prolonged droughts have left communities increasingly vulnerable. Declines in staple crop yields — including maize and beans — have heightened food insecurity and strained livelihoods.
The project, implemented in collaboration with Agriterra and the Government of Denmark, will promote low-carbon, climate-resilient agriculture while improving access to markets and finance through partnerships with cooperatives, the private sector, and banks. Sustainable land management practices will be rolled out across 30,000 hectares.
Nyabenyi Tipo said the approach would diversify production systems, protect natural resources, and build resilience.
“This project will bridge severe financial gaps in total climate change mitigation and adaptation expenditure in Kenya. It will also strengthen cooperatives, which are crucial in giving farmers bargaining power, better access to inputs, and fairer prices for their produce,” she noted.
Tackling food security with skills and finance
Farmers will be trained to use drought-tolerant crop varieties, sustainable irrigation, integrated pest management, and improved post-harvest handling techniques. The project will also enhance value addition in targeted value chains, increasing competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
Market linkages will be strengthened to connect producers with buyers, and tailored financial products will be introduced to make climate-smart investments affordable.
A regional vision with national impact
LREB comprises 14 counties: Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, and Vihiga. The bloc’s agricultural transformation is expected to serve as a model for other regions facing similar climate challenges.
By the end of the six-year period, the project aims to have created 3,000 jobs, strengthened value chains across multiple sectors, and positioned climate-smart farming as a driver of both economic growth and environmental sustainability in Kenya.