Kenya’s economy, the largest in East Africa, has witnessed a period of recent stability, with increased credit access to the private sector, investment in infrastructure, and growth in key sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and information and communication technology (ICT).
35% of Kenyans live on less than a dollar per day.
At the same time, unemployment and poverty rates remain high, with 35 percent of Kenyans living on less than a dollar per day, and food insecurity looms large due to poor farming methods and vulnerability to drought. TechnoServe, which has operated in Kenya since 1973, is well-positioned to address these challenges and contribute to the realization of the country’s aspirations through market-led approaches. Currently, TechnoServe is focusing on livestock, coffee, horticulture, food processing and entrepreneurship development, with an emphasis on engaging youth and women.
The Smart Duka program is working with enterprising shop owners in Nairobi’s informal settlements to increase the profitability of their small retail businesses. A partnership between TechnoServe, the elea Foundation and Citi Foundation, Smart Duka is equipping shop owners with the business knowledge and management skills they need to optimize their stores’ operations and financial performance.
Innovation in Outcome Measurement (IOM) Final Report
Evidence Driving Transformation of Smallholder Agriculture: The final report for TechnoServe’s IOM initiative details the innovative models piloted under four programs as well as lessons learned.
This final report explores five years of impact through the Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE), a public-private partnership between TechnoServe, Partners in Food Solutions and the United States Agency for International Development that aimed to increase the competitiveness of the African food processing sector and expand the availability of…
IOM: Smallholder Farmers Translating Produce to Profits
In this case study, TechnoServe’s Innovations in Outcome Measurement (IOM) initiative explores innovative models for creating a profitable agribusiness that builds wealth in small farming communities of East Africa…
TechnoServe is partnering with Okta to develop a bundled tech, or “one-click” platform, that will enable small business owners in low-income countries to seamlessly manage their operations and improve their enterprises.
This series of business profiles and case studies explores how COVID-19 impacted food processors and how financial and technical assistance helped them recover.
Download the RFA Attachments 1 and 2: Declarations, Duty of Care Response Attachment 3: Budget Template (12 months) Attachment 4: Provider Letter of Intent to Submit Proposal…
Request for Partnership Proposals: E-Learning Platform & Courses TechnoServe is implementing the USAID-funded Alliance for Inclusive and Nutritious Food Processing (AINFP) regional program in collaboration with Partners in Food Solutions (PFS). TechnoServe is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified organizations with existing e- learning platform offering business…
In partnership with Laterite, we conducted a June 2020 survey about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on coffee farming in Kenya. Discover key results in the infographics below. View All Infographics June 2020 Survey…
In partnership with Laterite, we conducted a survey about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on coffee farming in Ethiopia and Kenya in June 2020. Discover key results in the infographics below and attached. View All Infographics …
Survey: Africa’s Food Processors in the Face of COVID-19
TechnoServe surveyed 106 food processors, representing seven countries in Africa, on the impact of COVID-19 on their operations. This survey presents our findings.
Challenges and Responses for Africa’s Food Processors Facing COVID-19
TechnoServe offers a guide on the challenges and responses facing food processors during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on a survey of 106 food processors from seven African countries.
Smart Duka: The Story of Developing Kenya’s Micro Retail Sector
The Smart Duka partnership has worked to improve the livelihoods of women and men who own and operate essential micro-retail outlets. This case study highlights the progress and impact of the program.
Coffee Initiative II Impact Audit Report from ImpactMatters
In 2017, TechnoServe engaged ImpactMatters, an impact audit firm founded with support from Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), to review several projects within our portfolio. This impact audit reviews the second phase of the Coffee Initiative, C.I. II, which was implemented by TechnoServe from 2012 to 2016 in Ethiopia, Kenya,…
TechnoServe Initiative for Inclusive Agricultural Business Models: Syngenta
Case study documenting how TechnoServe and Syngenta are addressing barriers to adoption of high-quality agricultural inputs among Kenyan potato and tomato smallholder farmers.
Project Nurture: Partnering for Business Opportunity and Development Impact
Prepared by the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, this report examines how Project Nurture demonstrates the potential for building sustainable and inclusive value chains through cross-sector partnerships.