FCA Kenya and Macefoods Sign MoU to Boost Agribusiness in Rural Kenya

FCA Kenya and Macefoods, a leading agribusiness company working with farmers in rural Kenya, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the basis for mutual collaboration and enhance agribusiness in rural Kenya, focusing on economic and sustainable development. The signing ceremony took place on Monday, July 8th, at the FCA office in Nairobi.

Established in 2020, Macefoods is a unique private sector entity focusing mainly on the food business, particularly the pepper value chain for both domestic and export markets. The mutual agreement will allow Macefood to support over 300 women and youth with training in chili farming and other agricultural practices. This training will help ensure the quality of their produce, enabling access to global markets.

Macefoods supports the entire value chain, from production with certified seeds to training farmers and buying back the harvest for value addition and selling both domestically and internationally. Currently, they are importing raw materials like pepper from Tanzania and Malawi, highlighting the need for increased local production.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CEO and founder of Macefoods, Mrs. Margaret Komen, said, “At Macefoods, our mission is to provide holistic support to achieve fair and rewarding relationships. Partnerships like this MoU with FCA Kenya are essential to enriching our economic environment and fostering collaboration. We have a great opportunity because we are currently importing raw materials from neighboring countries. Production in Kenya still does not meet demand, creating a ready market. We aim for 40% of our market to be in Kenya and 60% for export, showing huge potential for growth and expansion.”

She added, “Pepper farming is not labor-intensive except during harvesting; we will engage communities and young people in Kerio Valley, providing a steady income and improving livelihoods.

FCA Kenya Country Director John Bongei said this partnership presents a unique opportunity for farmers in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, and West Pokot to receive training, grow crops, and access a ready market, providing them a steady income and improving livelihoods.

Mr. Bongei added that this initiative is crucial for sustaining peacebuilding efforts in Kerio Valley by providing alternative livelihoods for women and youth. FCA Kenya’s holistic program aims to empower households, improve educational and nutritional outcomes, and create economic opportunities through private sector partnerships.

“We are on the right track by bringing in private sector partnerships to enhance economic empowerment for our vulnerable communities. This partnership will  create a complete reward for farming as soon as the market is ready. It aligns with our livelihood component, aiming to grow enterprises and create more opportunities for farmers.”

FCA Kenya has a longstanding commitment to implementing strategic initiatives that enhance economic independence for women and youth in the Kerio Valley. These initiatives contribute to regional stability and conflict prevention. FCA has supported over 1,000 women in Kerio Valley with entrepreneurial start-up kits, including dairy goats, cows, beehives, chickens, seeds for crop farming, and tree seedlings.

Related stories: Over 300 women, youth in banditry-hit Kerio Valley to benefit from chilli farming

Text: Daisy Obare