Building Market Access for Smallholder Organic Farmers in Kenya

Between 18 and 20 June 2025, the Global Academy of IFOAM – Organics International held the second training of its Market Access Curriculum for Smallholder Organic Farmers in Kenya. The initiative, supported by Oxfam US and implemented in close collaboration with organic pioneers Sylvia Kuria, Martin Njoroge, and Pauline Mundia, seeks to strengthen market access for smallholder organic producers across the country.

Twelve farmers from Kenya’s Central Region participated in the three-day training, which focused on equipping them with essential business and marketing skills. Topics covered included cost calculation, financial management, marketing, Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), advocacy, and the integration of gender and youth into market systems. A key highlight of the training was a field visit to the Kikuyu Farmers Market, an aggregation centre, and the organic retail outlet Kalimoni Greens.

The workshop aims to empower smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence agriculture to thriving agro-enterprises. By enhancing their capacity to access profitable markets, participants are better positioned to increase their incomes and strengthen their resilience.

This session also marked a significant milestone in the validation process of the Market Access Curriculum, which is expected to be finalised and published in the coming months. Once completed, the curriculum will be introduced at Egerton University, further embedding market access training within formal agricultural education.

Given the central role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy and the livelihoods of family farmers, this curriculum represents a vital tool in promoting food security, economic development, and rural transformation. By building the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate organic markets, smallholder farmers are empowered to become key actors in a sustainable and resilient food system.