KEPSA, led by the CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki, is collaborating with other strategic partners to host the International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF) 2024 that kicked off today, 12^th November 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. The two-day conference and exhibition brings together key players in the agricultural sector and other collaborators in the industry such as the financial, insurance and manufacturing sectors across the globe to discuss contract farming and how to make the practice more effective and successful.

Themed, "Revitalizing African Agriculture: Time for bold action!", the conference provides a platform for thought industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, practitioners and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange innovative ideas, and collaborate on strategies to enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of contract farming initiatives in Africa. It also offers a strategic opportunity to deliberate on inter-national contract farming as an important tool for promoting FDI in Africa.

“I call for partnership and innovation in contract farming to build a country towards sustainable, productive and inclusive agricultural systems by linking smallholder farmers to global markets and improving livelihoods,” said Ms Peris Wanjiku, the Conference Director, Founder & Managing Director of Sunflower Events Limited, in her welcoming remarks.

Dr Andrew Karanja, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, in a speech read by the Agriculture Secretary Mr. Collins Marangu, highlighted the potential of contract farming in Africa to address food insecurity and boost agricultural productivity. He emphasized the importance of educational initiatives to inform farmers about contract terms and their legal rights.

“Many farmers lack awareness of their rights of access to formal arbitration. To promote contract farming, there is a growing need for stronger and more targeted policies and legal frameworks on contract farming, establishing specific guidelines and standards for contract farming arrangements, making contracts more transparent and enforceable and giving current information about cooperatives and farmer associations.” Read the statement.

KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki emphasized the need for financing and incentives to encourage financial institutions to support small-scale contract farmers. She highlighted the importance of investing in social and agricultural infrastructure to aid contract farming and stressed the necessity of establishing policies and regulations that support and protect contract farming businesses. Additionally, Ms. Kariuki called for collaboration with government entities at all levels to tackle challenges and foster a supportive environment for contract farming.

ICCF 2024 aims to highlight the opportunities and tackle challenges in African agriculture by driving action and fostering partnerships to strengthen the farm economy. The conference, which continues tomorrow, serves as a key platform for stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to network, exchange insights, and create partnerships that enhance livelihoods through sustainable contract farming.