Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainable Impact
Fostering Market Access, Job Creation, and Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Celebrating 20 Years of Kilimo Trust
For two decades, Kilimo Trust has worked tirelessly to make agricultural markets work better for smallholder farmers across East Africa. From humble beginnings to becoming a recognised leader in market-led agricultural development, this milestone reflects the resilience, innovation, and unwavering partnerships that have shaped our journey.
It is a story written through the collective efforts of our staff, donors, implementing partners, policymakers, and above all the farming communities we serve. Together, we have expanded market access, driven inclusive growth, fostered climate resilience, and empowered countless livelihoods across the region.
As we mark this important milestone, we also look forward with renewed purpose and ambition—to the next chapter. Agriculture remains one of the most powerful engines for economic transformation in Africa. At Kilimo Trust, we remain committed to driving sustainable change and unlocking opportunities that will shape the future of food systems and rural prosperity.
Explore our journey. Celebrate the impact. Together, let us shape the future.
Inclusive Market Systems
Building stronger agricultural value chains and regional trade networks, enabling smallholder farmers to access profitable markets and achieve better incomes.
Empowering Women & Youth
Creating equitable economic opportunities through skills development, enterprise growth, and market linkages—empowering women and youth to thrive in agriculture.
Climate-Smart Innovation
Driving widespread adoption of resilient, sustainable farming practices that boost productivity, protect livelihoods, and safeguard critical natural resources.
Our Shared Journey, Our Lasting Impact
Two decades of partnership, resilience, and progress with farmers, communities, and change-makers across the region.
The Beginning - From Research to Reach
Founded as a research and grant-making organisation with $13M in funding—supporting 50 R&D projects across 5 East African countries.
Strategic Shift - From Funder to Implementer
Pivoted to direct project implementation—focusing on value chain development to serve farmers more effectively.
Consortium Approach Introduced
Launched the consortium model for value chain development, piloted in Uganda with UNDP support—now the foundation of all Kilimo Trust projects.
Scaling Innovation - Africa Rice Initiative
Expanded to Tanzania through a 4-year programme funded by BMGF and GIZ—validating the consortium model across borders.
Going Regional - Subsidiaries Across East Africa
Established permanent operations in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania; extended reach to Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC.
Impact Milestone - 20 Years, 700,000+ Farmers
Celebrating 709,096 direct beneficiaries, $63M mobilised, 3,000 business linkages, and over 6,300 jobs created across 7+ countries.
The Journey Continues
Building on 20 years of transformation to deepen regional trade, climate resilience, and inclusive agribusiness for the next generation.
Key Metrics of Kilimo Trust's Achievements
Over 20 years, Kilimo Trust has empowered 709,000+ farmers, mobilised USD 63 million in investments, created 6,300+ jobs, and built 3,000 business linkages. With 30+ projects, 75 market studies, and partnerships across 27 funding organisations, these numbers reflect the scale and depth of our ongoing impact across East Africa’s agricultural markets.
$ 63M
Investments Mobilised in partnership with public and private sector actors
+6,327
Direct employment generated through enterprise growth, market linkages, and value chain interventions
+709,096
Farmers reached. Empowering smallholder farmers through training, market access, and value chain participation—unlocking income opportunities and driving rural prosperity across five countries.
Years of Impact
20Projects Implemented
+30Market & Value Chain Studies
75Business Linkages Created
3000SMEs Nurtured
468Agricultural Finance Accessed
$15.1MFunding Partners Engaged
27International Awards
5Voices of Impact
Real stories, real people—captured across our 20-year journey of agricultural transformation.
Kilimo Trust Journey And Impact (2005-2020)
Kilimo Trust Impact Stories
Youth Empowering Rural Farming Communities Through Mechanization
Disability is Not Inability
The Captivating Journey Of The R4iCSA Project In Eastern Uganda
Since I met Kilimo Trust and learned how to apply biochar to my soils, my rice production has significantly improved. I harvest more, earn more, and my fields are healthier and more productive
The stoves have helped fast food vendors reduce energy costs by 30%. We now serve 70 clients in Kisumu and continue innovating through partnerships with Kilimo Trust and universities. With Kilimo Trust's support, we developed a briquetting machine and gained international recognition.
I dropped out of school before secondary level due to financial challenges. Today, I’m proud to be working at Masaka Farms thanks to a training opportunity for youth with hearing impairments.
I’m truly grateful to Kilimo Trust and Masaka Farms for changing my life.
Kilimo Trust's involvement opened research and market opportunities for VermiPro. We now produce 21 vermicompost products improving soil health and rice yields
Every season, I would lose 20 to 30 percent of my harvest because of poor post-harvest handling. Thanks to Kilimo Trust’s training, I’ve learned how to dry and store my maize properly and protect my income. Farming now feels more secure — and more rewarding
Before joining the R-YES program, I practiced small-scale outdoor farming and often struggled with unpredictable weather and poor harvests. But with the training and support I received — especially in greenhouse farming — my yields have increased, my income has improved, and I farm with greater confidence and resilience
