Contract farming conference gains traction with strategic partnerships from KNCCI and AKEFEMA

The International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF) has garnered significant momentum with the recent strategic partnerships of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA).

These collaborations are set to enhance the conference's impact and outreach.

KNCCI, established in 1965, serves as a pivotal organization representing the interests of the Kenyan business community, including those in the agricultural sector. Their involvement in ICCF underscores the conference's commitment to engaging diverse business stakeholders.

"At KNCCI, we are excited to partner with ICCF 2024. This conference aligns with our vision to create a conducive business environment that supports farmers and agribusinesses in Kenya. Through contract farming, we can achieve this by connecting farmers directly with markets, ensuring they are not only producing but profiting," said James Kitavi, the head of customer acquisition and membership services at KNCCI.

Similarly, AKEFEMA, the official representative body for Kenya's livestock feeds industry, has been instrumental in promoting quality feed production and profitable livestock farming. Their partnership with ICCF highlights the conference's dedication to addressing comprehensive agricultural value chain issues.

Farmers in Kenya face numerous challenges that hinder the growth of agriculture as a profitable venture. Among the most pressing issues are market instability, fluctuating prices, lack of access to quality inputs, and unreliable market linkages. Without guaranteed buyers, farmers often struggle to sell their produce, leading to wastage and low income.

Contract farming has the potential to address these challenges by creating structured agreements between farmers and buyers, ensuring farmers have a ready market and clear terms regarding pricing and product quality.

By locking in agreements before the farming season begins, contract farming eliminates uncertainty for farmers and gives them access to critical resources, such as seeds, fertilizers, and technical assistance.

This is where the International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF) 2024 steps in: the conference will provide a platform for these issues to be discussed, and showcase how contract farming models can be tailored to meet the needs of both smallholder farmers and large agribusinesses.

The two-day event will host experts who will offer insights into how contract farming can be leveraged to stabilize incomes and improve food security, while also enhancing supply chain efficiency.

With KNCCI and AKEFEMA on board, ICCF 2024 is set to drive meaningful conversations and collaborations that could transform the future of agriculture in Kenya and the region. This conference is more than just a meeting; it is a call to action for industry players to explore solutions that will make farming more sustainable and profitable, especially for smallholder farmers.

The combination of expert presentations, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions ensures that attendees leave with practical solutions that can help them navigate the challenges of modern farming.

ICCF 2024 is not just a knowledge-sharing platform but a critical opportunity to forge new partnerships, explore innovative technologies, and set the stage for a more resilient agricultural future. As the conference gains traction through these key partnerships, it stands as a pivotal event for anyone involved in the agriculture sector who is looking to make a lasting impact.