Imani Development commissioned a series of case studies to explore the gender impacts of the EU-funded AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund programme.
We present evidence from VERT Limited, a Kenyan private company specialising in fruit and vegetable exports, to understand the experiences of women in their mango value chain and the strategic approaches the company has taken to empower them.
With support from the AgriFi Kenya Challenge Fund, VERT embarked on a journey to scale its mango pulping operations by introducing a drying facility, sourcing mangoes from up to 3,000 smallholder farmers, training farmers in global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and organic farming standards, and implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and youth participation in the mango value chain.
The company’s commitment to gender-responsive strategies, including in-kind credit advances, extension services, and promotion of women in cooperative leadership, has had a profound impact on women in the mango value chain. These initiatives have significantly improved economic opportunities for women, easing financial pressures and equipping them with the skills to produce higher-quality mangoes that meet market standards.
VERT Limited’s success in developing a financially viable and inclusive sourcing model is not only beneficial for the mango value chain, but also holds promise for other value chains. By replicating such initiatives, we can further promote women’s and youth’s empowerment in the agricultural sector.
Read more or download the full case study here.