Ukama Ustawi CFSA (Nov. 2022-March 2025) was a science-driven accelerator project designed to support agribusinesses in expanding the reach of climate-smart innovations that addressed pressing challenges in the food systems of East and Southern Africa.
By combining investment readiness with tailored technical assistance, Ukama Ustawi CFSA provided agribusiness companies with the necessary tools and knowledge to become more commercially viable and sustainable.
The project aimed to address the challenges facing millions of smallholder farmers in maize-mixed farming systems, one of the most vital agricultural systems in the region.
Key Objective
Through a combination of improved extension services, enterprise development, and increased private sector investment, Ukama Ustawi CFSA empowered farming communities to intensify, diversify, and de-risk their production. By doing so, the project contributed to food security, income stability, and climate resilience at scale.
Result Areas
The following outcomes highlight how Ukama Ustawi CFSA drove sustainable growth and meaningful change in the targeted areas.
- Enhanced Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technical Assistance: Smallholder farmers adopted improved CSA techniques that boosted productivity, built resilience to climate challenges, and promoted sustainable land management.
- Stronger Investment Readiness: Local agribusinesses became better prepared to attract and manage private investment through tailored support and capacity building.
- Broader Investor Access: Smallholder farmers gained entry to a wider network of investors, unlocking new opportunities for growth and expansion of climate-smart innovations.
- Improved Impact Measurement: Robust systems for tracking and managing project impact helped ensure accountability, demonstrate results to partners and donors, and guide evidence-based decision-making.
Ukama Ustawi CFSA was made possible through the support of CGIAR and was led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
Implemented by IFDC and CGIAR Research Centers – including the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), WorldFish, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) – this collaboration ensured that expertise, resources, and innovation were combined to deliver lasting impact for farming communities across East and Southern Africa.
Project Results
2024
- Empowered 41 agribusinesses (Acceleration Partners) with critical investment readiness tools, including financial modeling and pitch development and delivery.
- Enabled businesses to align their models with investor expectations, driving commercial scalability.
- Laid a strong foundation for the long-term success of the agribusinesses through targeted mentorship and training.
- Secured $23,557,000 in private investments, highlighting the effectiveness of its approach.
