Introduction

1. Introduction

Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion Project for Local & Up-scaling (SHEP PLUS) is bilateral technical cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheies and Irrigation (MoALFI) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Implementing body is MoALFI, JICA and Agriculture and Food Authority (Horticultural Crops Directorate) (AFA-HCD). The Project started in March 2015 and will end in March 2020. The Project is now in the Phase III.

The pilot phase named "Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Project (SHEP)" was implemented in 2006-2009 while Phase II, "Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Unit Project (SHEP UP)" was implemented in 2010-2015. Findings of Terminal evaluation of SHEP UP showed considerable increase in the average horticultural net-income per farmer, which increased by 80%, with some doubling their income. After successful implementation of SHEP UP, a third phase, SHEP PLUS was developed.

Target Area (18 Counties)

The project being implemented in 18 Counties (one sub County per County), and targets 180 farmer groups (Approx. 4500 farmers). The target Counties are as follows, 1st Batch (2015/2016) Elgeyo Marakwet, Uashin Gishu, Nakuru, Kiambu, Murang'a and Kirinyaga. While 2nd Batch (2016/2017) comprised of Nyamira, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Embu, Meru, Makueni, Kitui and Machakos. The 3rd Batch (2017/2018) comprises of Busia, Bungoma, Kwale and Kilifi.

The project do not promote in any particular value chain, but guide and support farmers to select 2 crops after they conduct Market Survey.

SHEP PLUS's Special Focus on Adoption/Adaption of the SHEP Approach in the targeted Counties

The 18 implementing Counties support horticulture smallholder farmers by "adopting/adapting" the SHEP Approach with the support from the Project. The Counties are expected to adopt/adapt and upscale the SHEP Approach to support more smallholder farmers to improve their income in the Counties.