Small-Scale Irrigation and Value Addition Project (SIVAP)

About the Project

Agriculture is fundamental to Kenya’s overall economic growth. About 80% of the population lives in rural areas and derives its livelihoods largely from agriculture. Smallholder agriculture dominates the sector contributing 75% of the crops and livestock production. Farmers typically do not have access to agricultural inputs, like high-quality seeds, and have limited access to improved technology and markets. Kenya’s agriculture is largely rainfed, and often the quantity and reliability of rainfall have not been adequate to sustain crop production, leading to pervasive food insecurity. An estimated half of the population lacks year-round access to adequate food, and one in four children is estimated to suffer from stunted growth and chronic undernutrition.

SIVAP increases incomes, food security, and nutrition along the agriculture value chain by raising agricultural productivity and improving agricultural market access for poor and marginalized communities in 11 counties in arid and semi-arid regions. The project intends to increase the productivity of traditional high-value crops and small livestock by constructing new and rehabilitating existing irrigation schemes. The project also supports post-harvest processing and value addition by promoting agro-processing businesses and improved storage, access to finance and credit through local farmers’ organizations, and youth groups, and registered women’s groups. Constructing rural roads and market outlets will strengthen market linkages between farmers, processors, rural and urban consumers, and export markets.