NAIROBI, Kenya, October 31st – In the arid landscape of Tana River County, a partnership between global nutrition leader Kerry and the humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide is yielding tangible results. Their joint ‘ALIVE’ programme is actively empowering smallholder farming communities, transforming the challenges of climate vulnerability and food insecurity into opportunities for sustainable growth.
For many in rural Kenya, reliance on small-scale farming remains a daily gamble against climate shocks, limited access to resources, and fluctuating market prices. These factors directly impact household food availability and nutrition, particularly for women and children. The four-year ALIVE programme was established to address these realities head-on.
The initiative focuses on equipping farmers with essential support, including training in climate-smart agricultural practices, improved access to quality farm inputs, and stronger links to reliable markets. This holistic model is expected to enhance food and nutrition security for an estimated 6,000 people, with a deliberate emphasis on empowering women — who are central to the well-being of their families and communities.
Fawzia Jamal, Marketing Director Africa for Kerry, underscored the company’s commitment to making a lasting local impact. “We are committed to improving the lives of farmers and their families in Tana River by removing the barriers they face,” she said. “The programme’s focus on climate-smart solutions and crucial health and nutrition support will create lasting value for those most affected by food insecurity. We are proud to partner with Concern Worldwide to implement innovative solutions that help make Zero Hunger a reality in Kenya.”
The partnership leverages the unique expertise of both organizations to deliver a comprehensive programme designed around the region’s specific challenges and opportunities.
Alex Ogeto, Country Programme Manager for Concern Worldwide, said the collaboration is already showing significant results. “This programme is already changing livelihoods here in Tana River,” he noted. “By providing skills training, access to capital and markets, and improving health and nutrition, we are seeing a direct, positive impact on farming families. With the potential for scaling, an initiative like this could empower communities and help feed millions across Kenya.”
By strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers — the backbone of Kenya’s food system — the ALIVE programme underscores a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture and nutrition security. It reflects an investment in local solutions that can build resilience and create a more food-secure future for the wider region.
