Action Learning Project (ALP)
Sustainability and Partnerships
To address these intertwined challenges, the Big5 Kenya team designed an Action
Learning Project (ALP) that focused on building financial capability, improving
governance across the rice irrigation value chain, and linking farmers to financial service
providers. The project adopted a multi-stakeholder, multi-phase approach that brought
together financial institutions, county agricultural departments, agri-tech partners, and
farmer groups.
At its core, the project provided targeted training for 50 farmers (30 youth and 20 women)
on budgeting, recordkeeping, loan management, and savings. Working closely with
Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), a Kenyan grassroots movement and non-profit
organization, and Sulma Wholefoods, the team also introduced youth to agribusiness
opportunities within the rice by-product ecosystem, such as the production of biochar,
briquettes, and sprayer services.
To ensure sustainability, the team designed a gender-sensitive and youth-oriented
financial model, mapped value chain actors, and initiated partnerships with NCBA Bank
and the National Irrigation Board. These collaborations aimed to provide not only access
to finance but also practical agricultural advisory services and exposure to irrigation
technologies.
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