Smallholer Sourcing Impact Study

New research reveals how food processors supported by the former USAID Alliance for Inclusive and Nutritious Food Processing (AINFP) are transforming livelihoods for smallholder farmers in East Africa.

In a collaborative study between TechnoServe and 60 Decibels, researchers interviewed over 500 farmers in Kenya and Tanzania to capture their voices and measure the impact of three key food processors. The report finds that these processors are positively impacting livelihoods by providing essential services like market access, training, and quality inputs. As a result, 82% of farmers surveyed reported increased earnings, and 36% observed a significant improvement in their overall quality of life.

While the study demonstrates high satisfaction, it also identifies critical opportunities to strengthen sourcing models. Addressing operational challenges such as service delivery timeliness and price transparency can further boost farmer trust and long-term resilience.