Economic
Development
Agricultural Development
Supporting sustainable farming practices, food security initiatives, and agricultural innovation to transform rural economies and ensure resilient food systems.
Supporting sustainable farming practices, food security initiatives, and agricultural innovation to transform rural economies and ensure resilient food systems.
At UHAFD, we recognize agriculture as the backbone of sustainable development and food security in many regions of the world. Our agricultural initiatives focus on empowering smallholder farmers with the knowledge, resources, and market access they need to transition from subsistence farming to profitable agricultural enterprises.
We believe that transforming agricultural systems requires addressing challenges across the entire food value chain—from sustainable production methods and post-harvest processing to efficient distribution networks and fair market access. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that increased agricultural productivity translates into real economic gains for rural communities.
Central to our work is the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices that build resilience to changing environmental conditions while increasing productivity. By combining traditional knowledge with modern innovations and appropriate technologies, we support farming communities in developing sustainable systems that protect natural resources for future generations.
Our comprehensive approach addresses the diverse challenges facing agricultural communities through targeted programs and sustainable solutions.
Empowering small-scale farmers through comprehensive support including training, quality inputs, and appropriate technology to increase productivity and income while promoting sustainable practices.
Building stronger agricultural markets by connecting farmers to efficient processing, storage, distribution, and marketing channels while improving post-harvest handling to reduce losses.
Promoting agricultural practices that increase productivity while enhancing resilience to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative and adaptive techniques.
Supporting the development and adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies and innovations that boost productivity, reduce manual labor, and create more efficient farming systems.
Our comprehensive program transforming subsistence farming into sustainable business enterprises across rural communities.
The Rural Prosperity Initiative takes a holistic approach to agricultural development, combining sustainable farming practices, cooperative formation, value-added processing, and market linkages to transform rural livelihoods. Working across 8 countries, this integrated program addresses the entire agricultural value chain while promoting environmental sustainability.
Farmers supported
Countries with active programs
Average income increase
Farmer cooperatives formed
When James Mutua joined UHAFD's agricultural program in 2018, he was a smallholder farmer in Kenya's Eastern Province struggling to feed his family on less than two acres of degraded land. Like many in his community, unpredictable rainfall patterns and depleted soil were making traditional farming increasingly difficult.
Through UHAFD's Climate-Smart Agriculture program, James received training in water harvesting techniques, drought-resistant crop varieties, and sustainable soil management. With a small micro-equity investment of £2,500, he installed a rainwater harvesting system and purchased quality seeds and natural fertilizers.
Within two growing seasons, James had diversified his farm to include drought-resistant maize, beans, and high-value vegetables. The installation of simple drip irrigation allowed him to grow crops year-round, while improved storage facilities reduced his post-harvest losses from 40% to just 8%.
Today, James leads the Mwangaza Farmers Cooperative, which brings together 63 local farmers who have adopted climate-smart practices. The cooperative has built a small processing facility that adds value to their crops before selling to regional markets, increasing members' incomes by an average of 75% since formation.
"UHAFD didn't just help us grow more food; they taught us to grow smarter and work together. Now we're not just farmers, we're business owners with a future even when the climate becomes challenging." — James Mutua, Cooperative Chairman
Since 2010, our agricultural initiatives have created substantial improvements in farming communities across multiple regions.
Farmers supported
Hectares under sustainable management
Average yield increase
Countries with agricultural programs
We work with leading agricultural organizations globally to maximize our impact and drive sustainable food systems.
Whether you're a smallholder farmer, agricultural cooperative, or agri-business entrepreneur, our agricultural development programs can help you achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.
UHAFD offers multiple support paths for agricultural development at different scales:
Training, input support, and small-scale technology financing
Organizational development, processing equipment, and market linkages
Micro-equity investment, business development, and scaling support