Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust - MESPT

From 20 pioneering members to a thriving cooperative of 679 farmers, Rongai Acacia Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society is an example of the transformative impact of the GEAP Programme implemented by MESPT.

Through strategic support in fodder production, governance, market access, and enterprise development, the cooperative has strengthened dairy farming creating opportunities for youth and women.

The cooperative established a fodder seed multiplication farm, enabling more than 50% of members to adopt on-farm fodder production and improve access to affordable planting materials. It has also emerged as a driver of rural employment, creating 17 permanent jobs across the dairy value chain and engaging an additional 20–30 youth during peak silage-making seasons.

Through MESPT’s capacity-building initiatives, members have strengthened their skills in financial literacy, business planning, leadership, record keeping, gender inclusion, and enterprise management. This has translated into stronger governance structures, better decision-making, and improved business performance.

Improved market linkages have increased farmer incomes and encouraged continued investment in dairy farming. The cooperative has also stimulated the growth of six additional enterprises, including a processor, cottage industries, and wholesalers, creating even more employment opportunities within the local economy.

A MESPT-supported hay storage facility has also transformed fodder management by enabling farmers to aggregate, store, and access hay during dry periods. This has helped stabilize milk production, improve household incomes, and strengthen resilience to drought and feed shortages. The initiative has also inspired farmers to establish their own hay storage facilities and venture into fodder production as an additional source of income.

Beyond the numbers, the real impact is seen in the confidence of farmers, the opportunities created and stronger and more resilient dairy enterprises emerging across the community.

For the farmers of Kiambariki Farmers' Cooperative Society in Nyandarua County, export vegetable farming is more than a source of income, it is a pathway to improved livelihoods, youth employment, and sustainable agriculture.

Through the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP), implemented by MESPT, farmers have gained valuable skills in leadership and governance, financial literacy, food safety, entrepreneurship, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), gender inclusion, and climate-smart agriculture. These trainings have empowered farmers to improve crop management, reduce post-harvest losses, safely use pesticides, and meet the stringent quality standards required for export markets.

Access to reliable markets has been transformative. Through market linkages facilitated by MESPT, farmers now supply export vegetables to East African Growers and Fresh Produce Company Limited, providing a stable and competitive market for their produce. This has helped shield farmers from fluctuating market prices while ensuring a consistent source of income, even during challenging seasons.

The cooperative has also embraced innovative solutions to enhance productivity and food safety. Trained youth spray service providers, equipped with protective gear and modern spray pumps, support farmers in managing pests safely while maintaining compliance with food safety standards. Beyond improving production quality, this initiative has created meaningful employment opportunities for young people within the community.

Despite challenges such as drought, heavy rainfall, frost, and volatile market conditions, Kiambariki farmers have remained resilient. Their commitment to quality production and sustainable farming practices has enabled the cooperative to grow from 36 to 75 members while maintaining strong market relationships. By June 2026, members had produced more than 11.671 metric tonnes of export vegetables.

The story of Kiambariki Farmers' Cooperative Society demonstrates how investments in farmer capacity, youth employment, sustainable agriculture, and market access can transform rural livelihoods while building resilient and competitive agricultural enterprises.

📢 𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐭: 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭!

This edition highlights key milestones in advancing sustainable agriculture, food safety, and market systems development across Kenya:
✅ Celebrating the legacy and impact of the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP) through county closeout forums
✅ Handover of three aggregation centres in Trans Nzoia County to strengthen farmer-led market systems
✅ MESPT's participation in World Food Safety Day 2026, championing food safety as a driver of competitive and sustainable food systems
✅ Latest procurement opportunity: Development of the MESPT Resource Mobilization and Positioning Strategy 2026–2030

Explore how MESPT continues to empower farmers, strengthen enterprises, and build resilient agricultural systems that contribute to a prosperous society.

👉 Read it here: https://tinyurl.com/2pcf7ucb