Researchers are partnering with IPA Kenya to evaluate whether a farming program that provides inclusive access to inputs and technologies, financing, and training and learning services for sorghum farmers with disabilities increases their job opportunities and confidence in exercising their labor rights.

Smallholder farmers face challenges that can hinder their profits, such as limited access to modern technologies, training and learning services, and financial support, often coupled with unfair financing and management advice. Farmers with disabilities face further barriers, including social stigma, lack of accessible equipment, and discriminatory policies. In Kenya, the Global Labor Program-Inclusive Futures (GLP-IF) program aims to address these issues for sorghum farmers with disabilities by linking them to the supply chain of East Africa Breweries Limited. 

The GLP-IF program includes the Farmers Hubs, which provide farmers with inclusive access to high-quality inputs and mechanization, financing, and training and learning services (known as extension). Farmers can also sign a contract to sell their sorghum to East Africa Malting Limited. Through the Farmers Hubs, East Africa Malting Limited grants free sorghum-specific advice, high-quality seeds, and post-harvest support. While the Farmers Hubs are for farmers with disabilities, they are open to all farmers.

Researchers are partnering with IPA Kenya to evaluate the impact of improved and more inclusive farming practices delivered at the GLP-IF Farmers Hubs. The evaluation is being conducted in 14 sub-counties of Western Kenya where East Africa Malting Limited has an established presence. A total of 4,444 randomly selected farmers in these sub-counties were divided in half to either receive the Farmers Hubs intervention or continue current practices and serve as a comparison group. Researchers are conducting follow-ups at 16, 28, and 50 months post-enrollment to measure the Farmers Hubs’ impact on farmers’ job opportunities and confidence in exercising their labor rights.

Final results will be available in 2028.

Implementing Partner