In the arid landscape of Tana River County, a partnership between global nutrition leader Kerry and the humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide is yielding tangible results. Their joint ‘ALIVE’ programme is actively empowering smallholder farming communities, transforming the challenges of climate vulnerability and food insecurity into opportunities for sustainable growth.
For many in rural Kenya, the reliance on small-scale farming is a daily gamble against climate shocks, limited access to resources, and unpredictable market prices. These factors directly impact the availability of food and the nutritional health of families, particularly women and children. The four-year ALIVE programme was established to address these realities head-on.
The initiative focuses on providing farmers with essential support, including training in climate-smart agricultural practices, improving their access to quality farm inputs, and establishing stronger links to reliable markets. This holistic approach is set to improve the food and nutrition security for an estimated 6,000 people, with a deliberate emphasis on empowering women, who are crucial to the well-being of their households and communities.
Fawzia Jamal, Marketing Director Africa for Kerry, emphasized the company’s commitment to making a local impact. “We are committed to improving the lives of farmers and their families in Tana River by removing the barriers they face,” she stated. “The programme’s focus on climate-smart solutions and crucial health and nutrition support will create lasting value for those most affected by food insecurity. We are proud to partner with Concern Worldwide to implement innovative solutions that help make Zero Hunger a reality in Kenya”.
The partnership draws on the distinct expertise of both organizations to deliver a comprehensive programme tailored to the complex needs of the region.
Alex Ogeto, Country Program Manager for Concern Worldwide, has observed the positive trajectory firsthand. “This programme is already changing livelihoods here in Tana River,” he noted. “By providing skills training, access to capital and markets, and improving health and nutrition, we are seeing a direct, positive impact on farming families. With the potential for scaling, an initiative like this could empower communities and help feed millions across Kenya”.
By focusing on empowering smallholder farmers, who form the foundation of Kenya’s food system, the ALIVE programme demonstrates an investment in local solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future for the wider region.