Co-op Bank, CARE Kenya Partner to Boost Financing for Women Farmers

Co-operative Bank of Kenya and CARE Kenya International have partnered to improve access to affordable financing for women farmers through a new de-risking guarantee fund aimed at easing collateral requirements for farmer groups.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the initiative, which seeks to address one of the major challenges facing women-led agricultural enterprises — limited access to credit due to lack of adequate collateral.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms, Co-op Bank said the partnership will enhance financial inclusion by enabling women farmer groups to access affordable financing to expand their activities.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya and CARE Kenya International have partnered to improve access to affordable financing for women farmers through a new de-risking guarantee fund aimed at easing collateral requirements for farmer groups.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the initiative, which seeks to address one of the major challenges facing women-led agricultural enterprises — limited access to credit due to lack of adequate collateral.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms, Co-op Bank said the partnership will enhance financial inclusion by enabling women farmer groups to access affordable financing to expand their activities.

“Co-op Bank is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CARE Kenya International. The partnership introduces a de-risking guarantee fund designed to ease collateral requirements for women farmer groups, thereby enhancing their access to affordable financing,” the bank stated.

The initiative is expected to empower women farmers by providing them with opportunities to invest in agricultural production, adopt modern farming practices, increase productivity and grow sustainable enterprises.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, but many smallholder farmers continue to face barriers in accessing affordable credit. Women farmers, in particular, often encounter challenges related to ownership of assets and access to traditional lending requirements.

Through the guarantee fund, Co-op Bank and CARE Kenya aim to create a more inclusive financing model that supports women-led farmer groups and strengthens their participation in the agricultural value chain.

Present during the signing ceremony were CARE Kenya Country Director Gertrude Misango, CARE Kenya Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Walter Mwasaa, Co-op Bank Head of Business Banking David Akumu, and Co-op Bank Western Regional Manager Paul Cianda, among other officials.

The partnership underscores Co-op Bank’s commitment to supporting financial inclusion, agriculture financing and community empowerment, while aligning with CARE Kenya’s efforts to promote economic resilience among women and vulnerable communities.

The two organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration will unlock new opportunities for women farmers, boost rural economic development and contribute to Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya and CARE Kenya International have partnered to improve access to affordable financing for women farmers through a new de-risking guarantee fund aimed at easing collateral requirements for farmer groups.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the initiative, which seeks to address one of the major challenges facing women-led agricultural enterprises — limited access to credit due to lack of adequate collateral.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms, Co-op Bank said the partnership will enhance financial inclusion by enabling women farmer groups to access affordable financing to expand their activities.

“Co-op Bank is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CARE Kenya International. The partnership introduces a de-risking guarantee fund designed to ease collateral requirements for women farmer groups, thereby enhancing their access to affordable financing,” the bank stated.

The initiative is expected to empower women farmers by providing them with opportunities to invest in agricultural production, adopt modern farming practices, increase productivity and grow sustainable enterprises.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, but many smallholder farmers continue to face barriers in accessing affordable credit. Women farmers, in particular, often encounter challenges related to ownership of assets and access to traditional lending requirements.

Through the guarantee fund, Co-op Bank and CARE Kenya aim to create a more inclusive financing model that supports women-led farmer groups and strengthens their participation in the agricultural value chain.

Present during the signing ceremony were CARE Kenya Country Director Gertrude Misango, CARE Kenya Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Walter Mwasaa, Co-op Bank Head of Business Banking David Akumu, and Co-op Bank Western Regional Manager Paul Cianda, among other officials.

The partnership underscores Co-op Bank’s commitment to supporting financial inclusion, agriculture financing and community empowerment, while aligning with CARE Kenya’s efforts to promote economic resilience among women and vulnerable communities.

The two organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration will unlock new opportunities for women farmers, boost rural economic development and contribute to Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

“Co-op Bank is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CARE Kenya International. The partnership introduces a de-risking guarantee fund designed to ease collateral requirements for women farmer groups, thereby enhancing their access to affordable financing,” the bank stated.

The initiative is expected to empower women farmers by providing them with opportunities to invest in agricultural production, adopt modern farming practices, increase productivity and grow sustainable enterprises.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, but many smallholder farmers continue to face barriers in accessing affordable credit. Women farmers, in particular, often encounter challenges related to ownership of assets and access to traditional lending requirements.

Through the guarantee fund, Co-op Bank and CARE Kenya aim to create a more inclusive financing model that supports women-led farmer groups and strengthens their participation in the agricultural value chain.

Present during the signing ceremony were CARE Kenya Country Director Gertrude Misango, CARE Kenya Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Walter Mwasaa, Co-op Bank Head of Business Banking David Akumu, and Co-op Bank Western Regional Manager Paul Cianda, among other officials.

The partnership underscores Co-op Bank’s commitment to supporting financial inclusion, agriculture financing and community empowerment, while aligning with CARE Kenya’s efforts to promote economic resilience among women and vulnerable communities.

The two organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration will unlock new opportunities for women farmers, boost rural economic development and contribute to Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.