DRIVE: Capacity Needs Assessment for Livestock Sector Cooperatives in ASAL Counties

Monitoring, Evaluation and Research

De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies (DRIVE):

Capacity Needs Assessment for Livestock Sector Cooperatives in ASAL Counties

From April to July 2024, we collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development on a consultancy for the World Bank-funded DRIVE project. This initiative focused on conducting a comprehensive capacity needs assessment for cooperatives within the livestock sector across 21 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties. The project sought to identify critical gaps and opportunities to strengthen cooperatives, ultimately enhancing their role in boosting pastoral economies.

Our work centered on key livestock value chains, including beef, goat, sheep, fodder, hides and skins, and camel products. The findings from the assessment culminated in a validated capacity assessment report, which outlined key gaps in the sector. Based on these findings, we proposed a model to address the identified challenges.

Sector Market Analysis for Accelerator Program Funded Applied Value Group

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research

Sector Market Analysis for Accelerator Program Funded Applied Value Group

Between August and September 2024, we conducted a Sector Market Analysis for the Accelerator Program funded by the Applied Value Group. This in-depth study aimed to uncover insights across multiple dimensions of market dynamics and provide actionable recommendations for strategic decision-making. The analysis focused on nine key areas: market size, growth trends, consumer behavior, supply chain dynamics, competition, regulatory environments, technology trends, growth opportunities, and stakeholder roles. By examining these aspects, we identified critical challenges and potential market entry strategies, including partnerships and product diversification.

Special attention was given to buyer requirements, value chain positioning, and the scalability of value chain actors, with an assessment of processing levels within the chains. To further clarify market opportunities, we conducted detailed value chain mapping, which highlighted gaps and the specific roles Hand in Hand members could play in addressing them.

The final deliverables included a comprehensive report, an executive summary, presentation slides, and access to the raw data collected during the research. These outputs equipped stakeholders with a clear understanding of market dynamics and actionable strategies for growth, ensuring informed and effective engagement within their targeted sectors.

Impact Study on the Partnership between the Danish Embassy in Kenya and MESPT

Monitoring, Evaluation and Research

Impact Study on the Partnership between the Danish Embassy in Kenya and MESPT

In September and October 2024, we conducted an Impact Study on the Partnership between the Danish Embassy in Kenya and the Micro-Enterprise Support Program Trust (MESPT). This study evaluated the effectiveness and outcomes of Danish Embassy-supported programs implemented through MESPT, with a focus on transformative impacts across multiple dimensions. The assessment highlighted significant contributions to employment creation, with MESPT initiatives aimed at generating productive and decent jobs, particularly in the agricultural sector, to combat poverty and inequality. Farmer livelihoods saw substantial improvement through targeted interventions addressing income generation, food insecurity, and social vulnerabilities.

In the area of access to finance, MESPT’s programs leveraged wholesale lending to provide affordable credit to farmers and MSMEs, coupled with capacity-building efforts for financial institutions. The study also emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusion, with focused support for women, youth, and marginalized groups. MESPT’s enterprise development efforts centered on fostering the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), promoting sustainability and economic advancement. Climate change mitigation was a key theme, with innovative practices embedded in agricultural programs to enhance resilience and reduce environmental impacts.

The study further explored policy changes, unintended impacts, and innovative practices stemming from MESPT’s initiatives, capturing the breadth of its influence across 30 counties. By evaluating these dimensions, the impact study provided actionable insights to strengthen the partnership’s future programs and maximize their benefits for Kenyan communities.

DREEM Hub-and-Spoke Framework for KCIC

Monitoring, Evaluation and Research

Needs Assessment and Design of the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM)

Hub-and-Spoke Framework for the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC)

Funded by the Mott Foundation, this project addresses climate change by promoting renewable energy adoption to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our work focused on developing the DREEM Hub-and-Spoke Model for the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) by conducting a detailed needs assessment and designing a framework for its effective implementation. The project centered on analyzing the dairy and horticulture value chains to identify specific needs, challenges, and existing solutions. This assessment emphasized integrating renewable energy technologies to boost productivity, enhance sustainability across the value chains, and reduce post-harvest losses.

The insights gained were instrumental in structuring the DREEM Model, ensuring it was tailored to address critical gaps and promote renewable energy solutions. By partnering with KCIC, we aimed to establish a scalable and impactful framework that advances Kenya’s climate resilience and fosters long-term environmental sustainability.