Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust - MESPT

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐭?

This question sparked a rich discussion on strengthening inclusive financing for agri-food systems, bringing together leaders from financial institutions, agribusiness, and digital innovation.

The conversation underscored that financing agriculture requires a shift from traditional collateral-based lending to approaches that recognize farmers' realities. Dominic Mutunga CEO of Universal Traders Sacco emphasized bundled financial solutions that integrate market access and insurance, while Catherine Mwamba, CEO of Times U Sacco, highlighted the importance of character-based lending and financing aligned to agricultural production cycles.

Charles Njoroge, CEO of Jawabu Biashara Limited, demonstrated how digital financial records are transforming lending decisions by providing a clearer picture of farmers' businesses. Sharing his lived experience, a youth farmer, Daniel Maina reminded participants that many young agripreneurs have viable businesses but remain excluded from finance due to limited collateral and credit history.

The discussion also highlighted that investment readiness is built through training and mentorship. Monica Gachucha of East Africa Market Development Associates Ltd. emphasized the value of capacity building, while Jemimah Wanjiku from DigiCow Africa Ltd illustrated how digitized farmer data is becoming a powerful de-risking tool, enabling financial institutions to make more informed lending decisions.

One message stood out throughout the discussion: the future of agricultural finance lies in understanding farmers, leveraging data, and designing solutions that respond to the realities of agricultural enterprises.

A shared vision for sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment has transformed Kapsosio Greengold Avocado Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) into a leading avocado cooperative. In partnership with the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP) implemented by MESPT, the cooperative has grown steadily in membership, capacity, and market reach.

Today, Kapsosio markets approximately 130 metric tonnes of avocados annually and has also established a thriving avocado nursery, managed by youth, with more than 20,000 quality seedlings, strengthening the local seed system.

Beyond production, the cooperative has become a hub for youth empowerment. The cooperative has successfully implemented the Business Service Provider (BSP) model, with youth taking lead roles in orchard management activities such as harvesting, pruning, grafting, and produce loading during peak seasons.

Strategic investments in training, market linkages, an aggregation centre, and a farmer training hall have strengthened leadership, improved governance, enhanced production practices, and positioned Kapsosio as a model for sustainable avocado value chain development.

The cooperative, through the program has also greatly benefited from participation in B2B forums, trade fairs, and international exhibitions facilitated through the programme. These platforms have enhanced farmer knowledge, increased market exposure, and strengthened commercialization potential.

Kapsosio Greengold Avocado FCS has proudly unlocked economic opportunities, created jobs, and build resilient agricultural enterprises transforming avocado farming into a thriving business.

Tulaga Farmers' Co-operative Society has grown into one of Nyandarua County's leading dairy cooperatives, serving more than 2,800 active smallholder farmers. Guided by its mission to improve members' livelihoods through farmer-centred services and sustainable dairy marketing, the cooperative has evolved into a thriving enterprise, producing approximately 510,000 litres of milk every month.

Through support from the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP), implemented by MESPT, the cooperative has strengthened its resilience, productivity, and market competitiveness. More than 1,500 farmers have benefited from training in leadership and governance, financial literacy, food safety, climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming practices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their dairy enterprises.

The cooperative has also emerged as a catalyst for youth employment, creating 52 permanent jobs across the dairy value chain, alongside additional seasonal opportunities during peak silage production periods. These opportunities have contributed to increased household incomes while promoting meaningful youth participation in agriculture.

The adoption of climate-smart and green technologies has further transformed dairy farming among cooperative members. Farmers are increasingly embracing fodder production, silage making, agroforestry, renewable energy solutions, and water harvesting technologies, resulting in improved productivity, reduced production costs, and greater resilience to climate change. More than 120 farmers have adopted modern fodder-processing technologies, significantly improving feed quality and efficiency in dairy production.

Programme-supported market linkages have enabled the cooperative to market over 9,360 metric tonnes of milk annually, generating substantial income for farmers and stimulating local economic growth. Beyond dairy production, the cooperative continues to champion environmental sustainability through tree planting initiatives, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable farming practices that contribute to a greener and more resilient agricultural sector.

The impact of these interventions was evident during a recent visit by MESPT's Board of Trustees, led by the Board Chairperson, together with MESPT staff. The visit provided an opportunity to witness firsthand how strategic partnerships, innovation, and farmer-led solutions are transforming livelihoods and strengthening the future of dairy farming in Kenya.