Harnessing inter-sectoral networks to serve the poor: A case study of Farm Concern International

This case study explores the transformative role of Farm Concern International (FCI), a pro-poor agri-business development agency, in harnessing resources from governments, philanthropy, and businesses to support sustainable community development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in Kenya eleven years ago, this agricultural-based hybrid development agency has been one of the fastest growing in the region with programs in 10 countries and serving over 2.5 million smallholder farmers and influencing over $3 billion in trade annually. The goal has been involving governments, donors and the local communities in the process of solving local needs through improved agri-business programs organized and ran through trading farmer cooperatives. Due to its innovative approaches and documented successes, FCI has attracted growing international recognition and support from governments and philanthropy including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United States International Aid (USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others.