Overview
The Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP), a collaborative initiative between the EU and the East African Community, aimed to enhance market access for agro-food products in both the EU Single Market and regional markets. The MARKUP Kenya project focused on boosting the economic development of Kenya by increasing the value of agricultural exports in selected horticulture subsectors. Implemented from February 2019 to September 2023, the project prioritized commodities such as green beans, mangoes, passion fruits, among others, in 10+ counties. Key findings of the evaluation underscore the project’s relevance to and coherence with national and global policies, and notable effectiveness in achieving key targets, especially in GAP training and communication initiatives. The project showcased efficiency in its implementation, with a small team coordinating diverse activities involving national and county-level stakeholders. The evaluation revealed significant economic benefits for farmers, including reduced production costs, increased produce quantities, and improved access to new markets. Although project’s sustainability prospects appear promising, challenges remain, necessitating follow-up funding to bridge potential gaps. Gender mainstreaming was a commendable aspect, with over 40% of target farmers being women. Key recommendations include creating a sustainability strategy, launching dissemination actions, and developing comprehensive funding strategies for value chain scaling. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of public participation, understanding local cultures, engaging county leadership, and promoting cooperatives and certifications for sustainable development.
