Kenya

An overview from the USAID Kenya website.

Agriculture is the backbone of the Kenyan economy, and improvement in private, small-scale farming is essential to a broad-based, poverty-reduction strategy. Overall, 75 percent of Kenya's population derives at least part of its livelihood from agriculture, including livestock and pastoral activities. Agriculture accounts for more than half of Kenya's GDP even though only 20 percent of the country's land is suitable for farming. Productivity remains low because most farmers lack modern seeds and technology as well as adequate financial or extension services.

Under the Feed the Future Presidential Initiative, USAID Kenya is committed to increasing production in rural areas where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood and nutrition. Investments in agriculture-led growth include improving productivity, expansing markets and trade, and increasing the economic resilience of vulnerable rural communities. For example:

USAID projects have increased productivity and incomes for small-scale farmers and herders who produce most of Kenya's food;
During 2011, more than 270,000 rural households benefited from USAID agricultural assistance;
USAID provides support for agricultural policy research , biotechnology, biosafety, and crop sanitary and phytosanitary compliance.

Agriculture is responsible for 65 percent of Kenya's exports.