Closing the Gap Between Farmers and Financiers: Inside the SRET Agribusiness–Finance Partnership Workshop

ADS Mt Kenya brought financial institutions, renewable energy providers, cooperatives and farmer organisations together for the Agribusiness–Finance Partnership Inception Workshop, held under the Sustainable Renewable Energy Technologies (SRET) Project. SRET is a three-year initiative scaling renewable energy across the agri-food value chain in Kiambu County, supported by BMZ through Welthungerhilfe and implemented in Githunguri, Kikuyu and Limuru. It works with 3,000 smallholder farmers and 150 value chain actors. The workshop set out to bring the finance sector and the farming sector into direct conversation, and to begin designing financing that fits how farmers actually earn. The priorities Asked which technologies matter most, participants named two: solar for irrigation, and biogas for cooking. Both are proven in Kiambu. Solar irrigation extends the growing season. Biogas turns dairy waste into household fuel. What is holding uptake back Farmers lack collateral. Lenders require security most smallholders cannot provide. The upfront cost is out of reach. The equipment pays for itself over time, but it must be paid for first. Information does not reach farmers. Many are unaware of the technologies, or that financing already exists. Poor workmanship undermines confidence. Badly installed equipment fails early, discouraging farmers and making lenders wary. Financiers and farmers are not coordinated. Loan products are designed without understanding farm cash flow. What participants proposed Service providers partnering with financial institutions, so equipment and credit come together More lenders in the market, giving farmers real choice Pay-as-you-go models, allowing farmers to pay as they use Financiers investing in awareness before asking farmers to commit Advocacy for enabling government policy. Participants were clear that obligations run both ways: farmers must honour their agreements, and suppliers must deliver quality equipment with proper training. Going forward The structure that emerged most strongly was a tripartite partnership between service provider, financier and ADS, alongside stronger direct linkages between farmers and financial institutions. The technology exists. The capital exists. This project is working to build the connection between them. Our thanks to every institution that took part.

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