Kenya - Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Our mission in Kenya

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing 33% of GDP and an additional 27% through linkages with other sectors. The sector employs over 40% of the population and more than 70% of rural residents, making it central to food security, livelihoods and economic stability. Strengthening agriculture in Kenya is critical not only for national development, but also for the resilience of food systems across East Africa.

The Alliance works to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural systems through science, innovation, and partnerships that advance food security, nutrition, and climate resilience. As the regional hub for Africa, we have collaborated for over 30 years with national research partners, government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and private sector actors to support Kenya’s Agricultural Agenda for sustainable transformation and food security.

Our projects focus on climate-smart agriculture, soil health, genetic innovation, digital inclusion and equitable food systems. Working closely with institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), ministries, education centers and development partners, we combine cutting-edge research with local knowledge to empower farmers, enhance resilience and create inclusive opportunities for women and youth. Our goal is to ensure Kenya’s agriculture thrives in a changing world while safeguarding biodiversity and improving livelihoods.

Kenya Map - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

Current Projects

58

Funders

37

Money Invested (USD)

61909000

Challenges

Kenya faces significant challenges that threaten agricultural productivity and food security, including climate variability and extreme weather events, soil degradation and declining agrobiodiversity. Smallholder farmers struggle with limited access to quality seeds, markets, and financial services, while gaps in digital infrastructure and advisory systems hinder informed decision-making. Gender and youth inequalities persist, reducing inclusive participation in agriculture. These challenges are compounded by rising demand for nutritious food and the need to adapt farming systems to climate change, making integrated solutions essential for resilience and sustainability.

Thematic research areas

The Alliance’s work in Kenya spans several strategic research areas that address the country’s most pressing agricultural challenges and opportunities. These include improving food environments, restoring landscapes, advancing climate action, conserving biodiversity, promoting digital inclusion, enhancing crop nutrition, and fostering gender and social inclusion.

Food environment and consumer behavior

We work in Kenya to design strategies that improve access to diverse, nutritious foods and influence positive dietary habits, creating healthier food environments for all. 

Multifunctional landscapes

The Alliance in Kenya supports integrated landscape management that enhances soil health, conserves water resources, and boosts productivity for sustainable farming systems. 

Climate action

We support the implementation of climate-smart agriculture practices that support sustainable management of landscapes and ecosystems.

Biodiversity for food and agriculture: 

We actively promote the conservation and utilization of diverse crops, and we have several seed banks in Kenya that preserve agrobiodiversity. 

Digital inclusion

The Alliance recognizes the importance of equal access to technology. Most of our projects have a digital component, introducing our partners and participating farmers to the benefits of digital agriculture. 

Crops for nutrition and health

In Kenya and most of Africa, our Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) works to improve nutrition, feed school children, and contribute to the regional food security agenda.  

Gender and social inclusion

Our work on gender and social inclusion in Kenya focuses on capacity building, using gender-transformative approaches,advocacy and policy influence.

Impact

climate-smart practices - Kenya Map - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

 

Supporting farmers to adopt climate-smart practices and climate information services, reducing vulnerability to extreme weather

Promoting nutrient-rich crops - Kenya - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

 

Promoting nutrient-rich crops such as beans and underutilized species to diversify diets and combat malnutrition

Restoring degraded landscapes - Kenya - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

 

Restoring degraded landscapes through integrated soil health and water management approaches that enhance productivity and sustainability

Introducing digital tools - Kenya - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

 

Introducing digital tools and advisory services that empower farmers with real-time data for better decision-making and market access

Preserving agrobiodiversity - Kenya - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

 

Preserving agrobiodiversity through seed banks and promoting the use of diverse crops to strengthen resilience and secure future food systems

Collaboration and partners

Our work and impact in Kenya are made possible through strong partnerships and the support of our funders. The Alliance brings together actors from government, research institutions, private sector, civil society and farming communities to drive food systems transformation and deliver sustainable agricultural solutions.

Projects and flagship initiatives

In Kenya, the Alliance and its dedicated partners champion a diverse portfolio of impactful projects and initiatives. These endeavors represent our unwavering commitment to transforming sustainable agriculture and development.  

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Leadership

Our office in Kenya

c/o ICIPE Duduville Campus, off Kasarani Road
P.O. Box 823 – 00621
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone:  +254 (0) 709134000
Contact person: Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg ([email protected])

Talk to us

Would you like to reach out to our team of scientists working in Kenya?

CONTACT US HERE

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