The African food market continues to grow
World Bank estimates showing that it will be worth US$1 trillion by 2030 up from the current US$300 billion. Demand for food is also projected to at least double by 2050. These trends, combined with the continent’s food import bill, estimated at a staggering US$30–50 billion, indicate that an opportunity exists for smallholder farmers—Africa’s largest enterpreneurs by numbers—who already produce 80% of the food we eat to finally transition their enterprises into thriving businesses.
With 90 percent of Kenya being arid or semi-arid land, highly variable rainfall patterns that are even further exacerbated by climate change, and growing number of water-intensive economic and agricultural activities, water management in agriculture is a big challenge in Kenya. At the same time, the country houses immense opportunities for irrigation and agricultural water storage of which only 12% (1.342 million ha) had been developed by the end of 2013. To realise this huge irrigation potential and face the challenges ahead, there is a need to invest in smart water solutions for agriculture.
Smart Water for Agri Kenya
Together with SNV, Meta Meta, KIT and Practica and Aqua for All we support a 4 year 6 mio Eur program, funded by the Dutch government to increase productivity of 20.000 small holder farmers in Kenya. Beside support for individual companies to enter the market we also work on improving the ecosystem engaging with local funders, small holder farmer groups and government to boost the sector. The Smart Water program offers technical expertise, access to customers and high risk funding to boost market uptake of innovative solutions.
By promoting market-led water management solutions, 20.000 farmers will increase their water productivity, to assure their access to water for agricultural production and increase farmers’ incomes. Thereby also increasing food security and improving resilience to climate change.
If you are interested to learn more and want to investigate a potential fit, please visit a special session during the Amsterdam International Water week at Tuesday 31st of October. We'll share markets insights and you can brainstorm with the Kenya based team, technical and business experts about the market fit of your solution. Entrepreneurs can registere here. Note places are limited. This opportunity is focuson on Dutch / Kenya based companies, we also support companies based in other countries as of 2018.