From Seed to Contract – Cayenne Chilli Farmers in Ithanga Take a Major Step Forward

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The road to a thriving agricultural value chain is rarely short but in Ithanga, Murang’a, 40 days of patience, preparation, and coordination have led to a moment worth celebrating.

On 10th April 2026, Jackline Waithera, our Muranga Field Coordinator oversaw the distribution of Cayenne Chilli seedlings to smallholder farmers in Ithanga as part of a broader effort to connect local growers to formal, structured markets. What made this distribution especially meaningful wasn’t just the seedlings, it was everything that came with them.

Training, Contracts, and a Guaranteed Market

Before a single seedling was planted in the ground, farmers gathered to receive practical training from KOAN field coordinator. The sessions covered every stage of the farming cycle: land preparation, transplanting, crop management, pest control, and harvesting techniques. This knowledge is foundational, and it reflects KOAN’s belief that market linkage without agronomic support sets farmers up to fail.

The other landmark moment of the day was the signing of formal Offtake Agreements with Zawiri Foods, a Kenyan company based in Westlands, Nairobi County. These contracts formalise what many smallholder farmers have historically lacked: a guaranteed buyer.

Under the agreement, Zawiri Foods commits to purchasing the farmers’ regeneratively grown herbs and spices; including chillies, lemon grass, and oregano, subject to agreed quality standards. In turn, farmers commit to growing under regenerative agricultural practices, with Zawiri Foods providing ongoing technical support and field monitoring throughout the growing season.

A Model Built on Trust and Fairness

One of the standout features of this partnership is how it handles seedling costs. Farmers are not required to pay for inputs upfront in a way that strains household finances. Instead, the cost of seedlings is transparently recovered from the proceeds of the first harvest, before net earnings are distributed. This arrangement lowers the barrier to entry while maintaining shared accountability.

It is a model that takes farmers seriously, not as recipients of aid, but as entrepreneurs entering a business relationship.

The Farmers’ Response

When the seedlings changed hands and contracts were signed, the emotion in the atmosphere was palpable. Farmers expressed gratitude not just for the seedlings, but for the effort that KOAN has invested in negotiating market linkages on their behalf. In a sector where smallholder farmers are often left to find buyers on their own, this kind of organised support matters deeply.

“They are thankful to KOAN for the efforts of market linkages,” reported Jackline, KOAN’s Murang’a Field Coordinator, a simple sentence that carries the weight of real impact.

What Comes Next

The seedling distribution is a beginning, not an end. Zawiri Foods has committed to continued follow-ups and field monitoring, ensuring that farmers receive support throughout the entire growing season. KOAN will also remain engaged, tracking progress and addressing any challenges that emerge.

For the farming families of Ithanga, the Cayenne Chilli plant now represents more than a crop. It represents a contract, a relationship, and a path forward.

At KOAN, this is exactly what we work towards a Kenya where smallholder farmers don’t just grow food, but grow businesses, livelihoods, and futures.

Follow this journey as our Murang’a field team continues to share updates from the ground.

Agroecology for Climate Resilience Project Kicks Off Across Three Counties

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A Strong Foundation for Climate-Resilient Food Systems

February 2026 marked an important milestone in advancing agroecology in Kenya with the official inception of the Agroecology for Climate Resilience (A4CR) Project across three counties: Nandi, West Pokot, and Kirinyaga.

Led by Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA Kenya), and implemented in partnership with Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), Resource Oriented Development Initiative (RODI Kenya), and Effective Integrated Pest Management Association (EIPMA), the project sets out to strengthen climate resilience, reduce reliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), and build sustainable agroecological markets.

Through a series of high-level inception and stakeholder meetings, A4CR laid the groundwork for coordinated, county-led transformation of food systems.

 

Nandi County: Launching a Transformative Agenda

Mid-February, BIBA Kenya convened a forward-looking inception meeting with the County Government of Nandi to officially launch A4CR in the county.

The meeting was more than ceremonial, it was a shared commitment to:

  • Restoring soil health

  • Strengthening farmer resilience

  • Rebuilding food systems that prioritize communities

  • Upscaling and out-scaling agroecology

Discussions were practical and action-oriented, focusing on clear roles, coordinated implementation, and long-term impact pathways. The strong leadership demonstrated by Nandi County signals meaningful progress toward food sovereignty and ecological regeneration.

Together, partners committed to empowering farmers especially women and youth while anchoring agroecological principles in county systems.

West Pokot County: Formalizing Commitment Through MoU Signing

On 24th February, a major milestone was achieved in West Pokot County with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BIBA Kenya and the Government of West Pokot County.

The signing formalized collaboration toward sustainable agriculture and improved farmer livelihoods under the A4CR framework.

Following the ceremony, stakeholders convened at Sophie’s Hotel for the A4CR Stakeholders Forum. The meeting brought together: KOAN, RODI Kenya, EIPMA, and The County Department of Agriculture.

The forum focused on aligning implementation strategies, identifying areas of synergy, and strengthening coordination mechanisms for agroecology promotion.


     The energy in the room reflected a shared understanding: building climate resilience requires collective action, institutional commitment, and science-based solutions rooted in farmer realities.

Kirinyaga County: Institutionalizing Agroecology

On 26th February, the Kirinyaga County Agroecology Multi-Stakeholders Forum Strategy Development Session marked another critical step in embedding agroecology into county systems.

Convened under the leadership of BIBA Kenya, in collaboration with partners, the forum brought together county leadership, technical officers, and development actors to:

  • Align policy priorities

  • Strengthen coordination mechanisms

  • Anchor agroecology in planning and budgeting frameworks

  • Define long-term sustainability pathways

The engagement also marked the formal inception of A4CR in Kirinyaga County, positioning agroecology not as a standalone project, but as a structured, institutionalized approach within county governance.

Special recognition was given to Dr. John Gachara, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, for his leadership and commitment in championing agroecology in the county.

What A4CR Aims to Achieve

Across the three counties, A4CR is advancing a comprehensive agenda to:

  • Reduce reliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides

  • Promote farmer adoption of agroecological practices

  • Restore soils and biodiversity

  • Generate evidence to inform policy action

  • Build sustainable, climate-resilient markets

  • Strengthen inclusive participation of women and youth

The project recognizes that climate resilience is not only about adapting to changing weather patterns it is about transforming food systems to be ecologically regenerative, socially inclusive, and economically viable.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The inception meetings demonstrated strong political goodwill, technical alignment, and partnership synergy. By grounding agroecology within county systems from policy to budgeting and implementation; A4CR is laying the foundation for sustained, long-term impact.

For KOAN, this collaboration strengthens our commitment to:

  • Promoting agroecological standards and market systems

  • Supporting farmer-led certification approaches

  • Advancing food security while protecting biodiversity

  • Building resilient value chains

The journey has begun. Across Nandi, West Pokot, and Kirinyaga, partners are building momentum for agroecology adoption restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and shaping a healthier, climate-resilient future.

Together, we are building resilient food systems for generations to come.

Call for Proposal: KAAT Consultancy for KA4S Agroecology Project

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Pioneering Sustainable Food Systems: KOAN Calls for Experts to Develop the Kenya Agroecology Assessment Tool (KAAT)

Kenya’s agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly. With the 2024 launch of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (NAS–FST), agroecology—blending ecological principles with social, economic, and cultural factors—is gaining momentum. Yet, a critical gap remains: no harmonized system exists to verify and market agroecological (AE) products, eroding consumer trust and farmer opportunities.

Enter the Kenya Agroecology Assessment Tool (KAAT), a game-changer KOAN is developing under the KA4S project (Kilimo Hai Agroecology for Schools). Funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and implemented with Practical Action and FiBL, this initiative pilots in Murang’a County from August 2025 to January 2028. KAAT will adapt global tools like FAO’s TAPE (for performance evaluation) and Biovision’s F-ACT (farmer-focused) into a single, PGS-friendly framework. It powers the new Kilimohai Blue Mark, enabling peer-assessed certification for farms, landscapes, and value chains—linking 800+ farmers (especially women and marginalized groups) to schools, markets, and beyond.

Why KAAT Matters

  • Builds Trust: Ensures Agroecology products meet Kenya-specific standards for production, marketing, and consumption.

  • Boosts Livelihoods: Integrates PGS for traceability, school feeding programs, and mainstream markets.

  • Drives Policy: Generates evidence for national scale-up via Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA).

The Consultancy Opportunity

KOAN seeks experienced consultants (individuals or firms) for a 10-week assignment:

  • Analyze TAPE/F-ACT against Kenyan contexts.

  • Engage stakeholders (farmers, government, traders) via workshops and pilots.

  • Deliver KAAT prototype, user manual, training materials, and a validation workshop.

Ideal Profile: Advanced degree in agroecology/agriculture; 7+ years in assessment tools; TAPE/F-ACT expertise; participatory facilitation skills.

Download the full Terms of Reference here and submit your expression of interest to procurement@koan.co.ke with a copy to Eustace ekiarii@koan.co.ke by 31st December 2025.

Help shape Kenya’s agroecological future!

Stay tuned for updates on KA4S and join KOAN’s network for capacity building and market linkages.

KOAN Seeks Expert Consultant to Strengthen Organizational Policies for Sustainable Impact

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At KOAN, we’ve spent two decades empowering smallholder farmers through organic agriculture, climate-smart practices, and resilient value chains. We strive to scale our impact by reviewing our core policies and operational guidelines. We’re inviting qualified consultants to facilitate a 2-day participatory workshop in early January 2026. This role involves reviewing 15 key documents from financial and procurement policies to gender and risk management developing a discussion roadmap, guiding inclusive sessions, and delivering updated versions for board approval. If you have a Master’s in environmental science, development studies, or related fields, plus expertise in organizational development and participatory methods, this is your chance to support Kenya’s organic sector.

Submit technical and financial proposals to procurement@koan.co.ke by 19th December 2025 (subject: “RFQ: Consultancy for Facilitating Review of Organization Policies and Operational Guidelines”). Full TOR available here. Join us in building a stronger KOAN for sustainable futures!

Call for Consultants: Monitoring & Evaluation for the KA4S Agroecology Project in Murang’a County

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The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), in partnership with Practical Action and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), is pleased to announce an open call for qualified consultants to support Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities for the project “Developing a Sustainable Kilimohai Market System for Agroecological School Meals and Mass Markets in Murang’a County, Kenya (KA4S).”

The project is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation.

KA4S aims to strengthen agroecological food systems by piloting the Kilimohai Blue mark for school meal programmes and mass markets, enhancing farmer livelihoods, and improving access to nutritious, locally produced food for school children.

We are seeking an experienced consultant or consultancy firm to undertake the Baseline, Midline, and Endline assessments—including data collection, analysis, and reporting for key indicators across schools, PGS groups, farmers, and consumers.

Scope of Work

The assignment covers:

  • Baseline, midline, and endline surveys
  • Data collection among 20 PGS groups, 30 schools, farmers, and markets
  • Comprehensive narrative reports
  • Excel raw data sheets and indicator calculations
  • Participation in inception, validation, and review meetings

Eligibility Requirements

Interested consultants must demonstrate:

  • Advanced academic qualifications (Master’s degree minimum)
  • Proven expertise in Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Experience with agriculture, agroecology, rural development, or market systems
  • Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills
  • Ethical, reliable, and transparent working practices

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF file containing:

  1. Letter of Interest + Technical Proposal (max 4 pages)
  2. Financial Proposal (1 page)
  3. Consultant CV(s) (max 2 pages each) with references

Deadline: 10th December 2025

For comprehensive details, please read the Terms of Reference https://www.koan.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ToR-for-ME-Consultant-KA4S.pd

We encourage all qualified individuals and firms to apply and support the advancement of agroecology and school nutrition in Kenya.

Stimulating Organic Trade using EAOPS (Kilimohai Mark): Companies in Kenya join hands through the AFPQ Project

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On 31st July and 1st August 2025, the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) joined regional stakeholders at the Gelian Hotel, Machakos for a two-day workshop on strengthening regional organic trade under the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The event was part of the GIZ-AFPQ Project, coordinated by Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) with support from implementing partners KOAN (Kenya), NOGAMU (Uganda), and TOAM (Tanzania).

Represented by Samuel Ndung’u (Programmes Manager), Wycliff Nyamao (Project Officer), and Mary Melicer Otieno (Programmes Assistant and Office Administrator), KOAN played an active role in shaping conversations around the East African Organic Products Standards (EAOPS), also known as the Kilimohai Mark, which has become a unifying mark of trust for organic trade across Eastern Africa.

Validating findings and identifying gaps
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation and validation of findings from the baseline study on organic trade in Eastern Africa, which assessed market trends, compliance levels, gaps, and opportunities for growth. Stakeholders including certification bodies, national bureaus, and private sector players engaged in rich discussions on how to make recommendations more actionable and relevant to country-specific contexts.

For Kenya, the study highlighted both opportunities for expanding organic exports and the need to address capacity gaps among companies seeking to comply with EAOPS. KOAN facilitated group discussions that allowed participants to test the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) tools and identify priority areas where businesses require capacity building to fully embrace regional trade opportunities.

KOAN delivered key presentations on:
• The role of KOAN in advancing organic agriculture in Kenya, including market development, certification support, and policy advocacy.
• The history, development, and ongoing review of EAOPS (Kilimohai Mark) as a driver of cross-border trade, credibility, and consumer trust in organic products.

These sessions set the stage for conversations on how companies can leverage the Kilimohai Mark to build competitiveness in regional and continental markets under AfCFTA.

Regional Collaboration and Future Prospects
The workshop also featured an introduction to the African Regional Standards Organization (ARSO), reinforcing the importance of aligning EAOPS with continental trade frameworks to ease the movement of organic goods across borders. Collaborative discussions underscored the need for harmonized standards, stronger certification systems, and robust consumer awareness to unlock trade potential.

As the event concluded, stakeholders agreed on the importance of capacity building, regional collaboration, and market development as the next steps for scaling organic trade in Eastern Africa. For KOAN, the workshop reaffirmed its commitment to championing the adoption of EAOPS, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that Kenyan companies are well-prepared to seize opportunities presented by AfCFTA.

Strengthening Regional Organic Trade Through the EAOPS – A Spotlight on the AFPQ Project

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The East African region is witnessing growing demand for certified organic products—both locally and across borders. Yet, one of the key challenges remains ensuring compliance with shared organic standards that build trust and open up trade opportunities. That’s where the “Strengthening Regional Trade Through Compliance with the East African Organic Product Standard (EAOPS)” project comes […]

Read more

KOAN and Greenspoon Supermarket join forces to promote Certified Organic Products in Kenya

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We are thrilled to share the news of our partnership with Greenspoon Supermarket. As part of this collaboration, we are delighted to provide a 10% discount on all Kilimohai Organic certified products offered at Greenspoon.

Furthermore, Greenspoon is actively pursuing additional certified organic suppliers. Their dedication to promoting organic practices means they are actively seeking collaborations with certified farms and processors. This creates a valuable opportunity for you as well as the farmers you certify.

We would appreciate your support in providing us with a comprehensive list of your certified farms, including their details and the dates of their most recent certification audits. Through our collaboration with Greenspoon, we aim to collectively strengthen the Kilimohai certification process and encourage more farms and processors in Kenya to pursue organic certification.

Furthermore, if you have farms that hold certifications under other well recognized organic standards such as USDA Organic, National Organic Program (NOP), European Union (EU) organic certification, Japanese Agricultural Organic Standard (JAS), or China Organic Standards, we kindly request your assistance in facilitating their connection with us. Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

To streamline this process, we would appreciate it if you could pass on our contact details to your certified farms. This will enable us to directly communicate with them. Our team is eager to furnish them with additional information regarding the partnership and guide them on becoming suppliers for Greenspoon Supermarket.

We are excited about this opportunity to strengthen Kilimohai Organic certification and expand the presence of certified organic products in Kenya. Your collaboration and support play an integral role in achieving our shared goals. Visit https://kilimohaikenya.org/all-shop-store/ to redeem your 10% coupon discount and check out other participating outlets. 

We sincerely appreciate your forthcoming assistance. If you have any inquiries or need additional information, please feel free to contact Martin Njoroge, Programmes Officer via martin@koan.co.ke or +254 725 295 437 without hesitation. We eagerly anticipate working hand in hand and creating a beneficial influence on the organic industry in Kenya.

Download Press Release HERE

Commencement and Launch Meeting for the Integrated Sustainable Production of Tomatoes (ISPOT) in Kenya Phase II

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Mary took on the responsibility of representing our team at the highly anticipated Project Inception and Kickoff Meeting for the Integrated Sustainable Production of Tomatoes (ISPOT) in Kenya Phase II. The meeting was held on the 30th and 31st of May 2023 at the Mara Frontier Hotel in Narok, Kenya.

This pivotal gathering served as the foundation for the implementation of the ISPOT Phase II project in two counties, namely Kirinyaga and Narok. The primary objective of the meeting was to unite stakeholders and foster a shared understanding of the project’s scope, timeline, and respective roles.

By attending this meeting, Mary played a crucial role in establishing a strong starting point for the ISPOT Phase II project. Her presence ensured that our team’s voice was heard and that our interests were represented among the diverse group of stakeholders present.

Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash

The two-day event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to align their perspectives, discuss project details, and forge a common vision for the successful execution of the ISPOT Phase II initiative. Through active participation and insightful contributions, Mary helped to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among all involved parties.

As the meeting drew to a close, it became evident that the shared understanding achieved during this gathering would serve as a solid foundation for the subsequent stages of the project. With a clear project scope, well-defined timeline, and clearly established roles for each stakeholder, the ISPOT Phase II project is poised for a successful implementation in Kirinyaga and Narok counties.

Mary’s dedicated representation during the Project Inception and Kickoff Meeting contributed significantly to the collective effort of ensuring a smooth and coordinated start to the ISPOT Phase II project. Her involvement exemplified our team’s commitment to the project’s success and set the stage for fruitful collaboration with all stakeholders involved.

Overall, the meeting was a crucial milestone in the ISPOT Phase II project, bringing together key players and laying the groundwork for a harmonious and efficient project implementation process.

Actualizing the Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA) methodology

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The implementation of the Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA) methodology has demonstrated immense potential in revolutionizing the organic industry throughout Kenya. During the trial period implemented in the COVID-19 pandemic years (2020-2022), a lot happened and much more was started.  Among these notable achievements, was the establishment and growth of the Kangari Organic Farmers Markets (KOFAM) and the Gatanga Organic Farmers Market (GOFAM).

Due to the imposed travel restrictions, organic products that were primarily destined for the Nairobi market faced significant challenges in reaching their consumers. Consequently, farmers began exploring local markets as an alternative solution. Initially, the idea of establishing a grocery shop in Kangari was considered, but based on past experiences regarding the management and upkeep of such ventures, it was discarded. Instead, the public market emerged as a favorable platform for selling organic products. Our collaboration with the farmers involved identifying business opportunities and refining them with the 5Ps of marketing (Product, Place, Price, Promotion, and Packaging).

Recognizing the importance of branding, the farmers made efforts to establish their unique presence within the market. They also engaged in negotiations with the County government to secure a dedicated space within the market premises where organic farmers could showcase and sell their products within specific timeframes. Furthermore, the farmers donned distinctive dustcoats and other branded attire, generating additional interest and driving sales. Today, the Kangari market operates successfully, displaying a sense of independence and witnessing ongoing growth. Our role as KOAN primarily involves supporting the Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) associated with the market.

Further accomplishments, which will be discussed in subsequent communique, including the development of herbs and spices dryer, the introduction of KOFAM and GOFAM herbs products, and the establishment of the Kenya Organic Avocado brand.