The Kenya Horticulture Competitiveness Project (KHCP) was a United States Agency for
International Development (USAID)-funded initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s horticulture
sector by increasing smallholder farmer productivity, improving market access, and enhancing
value chain competitiveness. Implemented between 2010 and 2015, the project focused on key
export crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. KHCP worked with farmers,
agribusinesses, and government agencies to improve production techniques, adopt food safety
standards, and strengthen linkages between producers and international markets.
Implementation Status
KHCP was successfully implemented and concluded in 2015 after reaching over 200,000
smallholder farmers across multiple value chains. The project provided technical training on Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP), post-harvest handling, and export certification standards to help
farmers meet stringent market requirements. Additionally, it supported the establishment of cold
chain infrastructure and aggregation centers to improve supply chain efficiency.
Key Findings
From the analysis, it was established that implementation of KHCP resulted in facilitated
partnerships with exporters, retailers, and financial institutions, enabling farmers to access new
markets and credit facilities. By the end of the project, Kenyan horticultural exports had increased in both volume and value, and smallholder incomes had improved due to better farm productivity and premium pricing for certified produce. Moreover, the project achieved the following:
- Increased Productivity: Farmers who implemented KHCP-supported practices
experienced a 25–50% boost in yields, resulting in a larger marketable surplus. - Improved Export Compliance: The project improved farmers’ adherence to GlobalGAP,
HACCP, and other export certification standards, which helped lower rejection rates in
European and Middle Eastern markets. - Expanded Market Access: KHCP connected farmers with new export opportunities,
securing supply contracts with international retailers and food processors. - Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: By utilizing cold storage facilities and enhancing handling practices, post-harvest losses were reduced by up to 30%, leading to increased
profitability.
Despite these achievements, the shift to a fully private sector-led model after the project
presented challenges, especially regarding the need for continuous farmer training and the
sustainability of market linkages.