On behalf of the IFIL project, I want to sincerely thank all participants, partners, and stakeholders who have journeyed with us through these past years.
We have just concluded the final regional conference and field visit for the pilot phase of IFIL. A common denominator among stakeholders and participants was a strong call for continuance – a phase II that would allow us to build on what we have learned, strengthening both the project itself and the support offered to farmer-based organisations.
The changes we have witnessed are remarkable: women taking greater roles in farm management, a stronger focus on organic methods, the growth of cooperatives, and advances in market analysis and business management. These are just a few of the results from 2021–2025. |
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The voices and messages were clear: how can we continue? Together with our partners, we are now actively exploring the possibilities of a next phase, building on the lessons learned to deliver even greater impact.
Stay tuned!
/Sanaz Sedigh, program manager at Act Church of Sweden |
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“Every repayment is a promise kept. By honouring its loans obligation an FBO gives lenders the comfort they need to turn caution into confidence, unlocking larger, cheaper finance and glowing referrals across the funders/banking network."
/Geoffrey Kioko Musyoki, Regional Agriculture Specialist at Oikocredit |
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“From a government perspective, I have really appreciated how the IFIL project has strengthened our cooperatives with knowledge on effective management, compliance, and good governance. I can also see how it's also helped build important, sustainable structures for the cooperatives but it has also reinforced the wider cooperative movement as a driver of socio-economic development in our area.”
/Rahab Mumbi Ngururu, County Cooperative officer, Muranga county, Kenya |
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“We’ve seen that the IFIL model of capacity building and financial access has worked very well. Now that phase one is complete, let’s move into a second phase, building on lessons learned and making agricultural finance truly self-sustainable. I look forward to the day when our farmers are financially independent and our cooperatives fully self-sufficient. I know it’s doable!”
/Mustafa Ajuga, Uganda Development Trust
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| Listen to Mikael Wiking from the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi sharing his reflections. |
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“Smallholder farmer Based organizations (FBOs) are often seen as high-risk due to capacity gaps. However, with targeted support to strengthen their management and finances, they can become low-risk, reliable borrowers that repay loans as effectively as any established small business.”
/Shadrack Otieno, Programme officer and IFIL project coordinator, We Effect |
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“There’s been a clear improvement in our agricultural practices thanks to this project, which has boosted both production and livelihoods. But we’ve also strengthened our social capital: more women and youth are joining the cooperative, taking up leadership roles, and exercising their rights.
Please, don’t forget what you started! This is a great model, and farmers in East Africa need it to continue!”
/Olivier Biira, Kirembe Farmers Cooperative Society
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“At a union level, we’ve clearly seen how the IFIL project has benefitted our members and farmers. Some have even managed to double their production, thanks to the combination of capacity building and access to loans that enabled them to invest in farm inputs and other essentials.”
/Irene Nelson, Machakos Union, Kenya |
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