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Kenya Agri Land Commercialization
Expert Farmer was selected to perform a comprehensive assessment of eight agricultural sites across Kenya to support the Land Commercialization Initiative. Our mandate was to evaluate the agronomic, infrastructural, and socio-economic potential of each site. This work aimed to facilitate the promotion of the site from the public sector to private investments in sustainable agribusiness ventures.
Kenya Agri Land Commercialization
Location
Kenya
Production
Corn
Rice
Wheat
Sunflower
Vegetables
Delivery
2023
Area
Country wide
Client
IFC - World Bank Group
Sector
IFI (International Financial Institution)
Service(s)
Technical due diligence
The challenge
Although the sites varied greatly, common challenges included poor infrastructure, limited water, land tenure disputes, and climate variability. Achieving both ecological sustainability and commercial viability was a frequent concern.
The result
Our assessments enabled the relevant Kenyan institution to promote investment strategies, prioritize viable sites, and align development plans with local realities. In addition, Expert Farmer provided actionable insights to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Brief of the project
Site diagnostics and field investigations
Expert Farmer performed in-depth field visits to each site, collecting data on topography, soil profiles, climate, and water resources. Our team conducted soil sampling and analysis, evaluated existing infrastructure, and documented land use patterns. This groundwork provided a robust foundation for assessing agricultural potential.
Agronomic and technical assessments
Crop suitability was assessed using parameters including soil texture, pH, nutrient content, and climate conditions. Irrigation feasibility was appraised by conducting studies on water availability and infrastructure. Crop rotation plans were developed, and potential opportunities for mechanization and value-added production were identified for each site.
Infrastructure and access evaluation
Expert Farmer reviewed access for national roads, energy availability, and water conveyance systems. On some sites, our reports highlighted rehabilitation needs and investment requirements for canals, pumping stations, and power connections. We also assessed logistical constraints affecting market access and input supply.
Socio-economic and institutional analysis
We engaged with local communities, reviewed land tenure status, and identified potential social risks. Our work included mapping stakeholder dynamics and proposing inclusive models such as outgrower schemes. We also evaluated institutional readiness for public-private partnerships.
Strategic recommendations and valuation
Each report concluded with a SWOT analysis, suitability matrix, and rough land valuation. We tailored recommendations to investor profiles, highlighting scalable opportunities and risk mitigation strategies. Our deliverables supported IFC’s efforts to attract responsible agribusiness investors.
Highlights
Climate-smart agriculture: future-proofing your land lease
Integrating climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices into land leasing strategies is increasingly recognized as a prudent approach to ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in agribusiness. Adaptive irrigation methods, such as sensor-driven drip systems, can significantly improve water efficiency and help maintain yields under variable precipitation patterns. The selection of drought-tolerant crop varieties further mitigates production risks associated with shifting climatic conditions.
Additionally, the adoption of carbon-focused agronomic practices—including conservation tillage, cover cropping, and agroforestry—contributes to soil health, carbon sequestration, and broader ecosystem stability. These measures are in line with evolving regulatory requirements and the growing emphasis on environmental stewardship in agriculture.
Incorporating these climate-adaptive strategies into lease agreements, with mechanisms to encourage and monitor sustainable practices, supports the sustained productivity and resilience of agricultural investments. Adopting such approaches not only meets current expectations for responsible land management but also prepares operations for future climatic and market challenges.