Editor's Review

The government has secured a US$2.08 million grant to strengthen climate resilience in the agricultural sector and help farmers manage climate-related risks.

The government has secured a US$2.08 million (approximately Ksh270 million) grant to strengthen climate resilience in the agricultural sector and help farmers manage climate-related risks.

In a statement on Thursday, October 29, the National Treasury said Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi signed the Climate Smart Agribusiness Partnerships for Resilience (CSAPR) Grant Agreement, marking a step towards integrating climate information into agricultural value chains.

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The funding is expected to complement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP), with a focus on equipping farmers and agribusinesses with information to support decision-making and improve agricultural productivity.

"Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the funding will complement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP) by integrating Climate Information Systems into agricultural value chains," the statement read.

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According to the ministry, the initiative will enable farmers and agribusinesses to access and apply climate information in managing risks associated with changing weather patterns.

"This will enable farmers and agribusinesses to access and use climate information to manage climate related risks and improve productivity," the statement added.

File image of John Mbadi signing the agreement

The agreement was signed during a courtesy call by the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) new Country Director, Matteo Marchisio.

Mbadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the international agricultural development institution, while Marchisio pledged to build on the longstanding cooperation between Kenya and IFAD.

"Hon.Mbadi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to deepening cooperation with IFAD, while Mr Marchisio pledged to strengthen the longstanding partnership in support of Kenya’s agricultural transformation and rural livelihoods," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, the United Nations (UN) has allocated more than $2 million (Ksh259 million) to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response efforts in Kenya. 

In a statement on Wednesday, October 28, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the funding has been allocated through the Kenya Humanitarian Fund, which it manages.

OCHA said the funding will support humanitarian partners working alongside the government to contain the Ebola disease in Kenya.

According to the office, the funding will finance enhanced disease surveillance at border crossing points, as well as training for rapid response teams and frontline responders. 

"The Kenya Humanitarian Fund, managed by OCHA, has allocated more than $2 million to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response efforts.

"The funding will enable humanitarian partners to support Government-led efforts, including enhanced surveillance at border crossing points and training for rapid response teams and front-line responders," read the statement in part. 

OCHA also mentioned that part of the funding will be used to support preparedness along high-risk refugee and travel routes linked to the Kakuma refugee complex in north-western Kenya.

"They will also fund emergency health and infection prevention kits, as well as public information campaigns on Ebola prevention and early detection," the office added.