Keywords: Public Health
Agriculture sector in Kenya faces many challenges despite its economic importance. These challenges are linked to poor coordination mechanisms, non-inclusivity of all in agricultural development agenda and low budgetary allocation to the agricultural sectors and effects of climate change. These have led to low production and productivity with average maize yield per hectare in Kenya being 1.3 tonnes and milk production at less than 5 litres per cow per day. Challenges in institutional arrangements with sector programmes working in silos leading to duplication of resources has also contributed significantly to problems in agriculture. This warranted for the establishment of a partnership-based/collaborative initiative in the Agricultural Sector towards reaching the poorest and most vulnerable. It identifies gaps collectively along the prioritized value chains with all stakeholders and possible solutions prioritized. The initiative is a 5 step model: • Stakeholder analysis and mapping dedicated collaborators/partners • Setting up of a vision and a strategic plan • Resource mobilization model • Joint planning including Monitoring and Evaluation • Reviewing the vision and giving feedback mechanism The initiative is anchored under Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) which provides a framework for stimulating, guiding and directing inclusive agricultural growth and development. Implementation commenced in 2013 nationwide, co-financed by the Governments of Kenya and Sweden.