In the heart of Makueni County, amidst the lush greenery of rolling hills, lives Mutile Ndambuki, a 66-year-old widow whose life has been transformed through sustainable macadamia farming. For over three decades, Mutile has nurtured her 20 macadamia trees, a journey that began in the early 1990s when Kenya Nut Company introduced the crop to her village. Today, these trees are more than just a source of income—they are the pillars of her family’s future and a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in agriculture.
Like many farmers across Kenya, Mutile has witnessed the harsh realities of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, severe flooding, and soil degradation have threatened the yields and quality of her macadamia nuts. “The seasons are no longer the same,” Mutile explains. “Rains come late in some areas, early in others, and our crops suffer.”
The impact of these changes is profound, leading to reduced yields and income for farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. But even in the face of these challenges, hope remains – thanks to the dedicated support of Exotic EPZ Limited, a company committed to empowering Kenyan farmers.
Empowering Farmers Through Strategic Partnerships
Exotic EPZ Limited, an industry leader in macadamia processing, has made significant strides in supporting local farmers like Mutile. By bypssing exploitative brokers and offering fair prices, Exotic EPZ Limited has helped stabilize the income of thousands of farmers across the region. To date, the company has benefitted over 8,000 households, supporting them as suppliers of raw materials.
The company has established nut collection centers, including a key hub at Kikima market in Mbooni, making it easier for farmers to sell their produce without incurring transport costs. Beyond financial support, Exotic EPZ Limited is deeply involved in farmer outreach, providing agronomy support to 7,194 smallholder farmers (SMH). This includes essential training in crop yield improvement, sustainable farming practices, and basic financial literacy. These initiatives empower farmers to enhance their production and secure better futures for their families.
“I’ve received new seedlings and training on how to improve my crop yield,” Mutile shares. “Exotic EPZ Limited pays competitive prices and pays immediately, which gives me peace of mind.”
Driving Sustainable Impact and Economic Growth
The partnership between Exotic EPZ Limited and Kenya Climate Ventures (KCV) plays a crucial role in this agricultural transformation. As a leading impact investor focused on climate-smart enterprises, KCV provides the capital and business growth support needed for companies like Exotic EPZ Limited to scale their operations and deepen their impact.
To date, KCV’s support has enabled Exotic EPZ Limited to not only benefit households but also 80 MSMEs across the region. Additionally, the company’s initiatives have contributed to 3,913 tons of CO2 emission reductions, showcasing the environmental impact of sustainable farming practices.
By investing in sustainable agriculture, KCV is not only improving livelihoods but also driving economic growth and environmental resilience across Kenya. Mutile’s story is just one example of how strategic investments in agriculture can create lasting change. Despite challenges such as hilly terrains, water scarcity, and the threat of wildlife, farmers in Makueni County are increasingly confident in their future, thanks to the consistent support from Exotic EPZ Limited and KCV.
Call to Action
Kenya Climate Ventures invites stakeholders, partners, and investors to join us in scaling these impactful initiatives. By investing in climate-smart, gender-inclusive enterprises, we can transform lives, improve food security, and build resilient communities across Kenya. Together, we can ensure that every farmer, like Mutile Ndambuki, has the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in the face of climate change.
