In the vast fields of Kenya, the day starts early for farmers who work tirelessly with the hope of an abundant harvest. Even before the sun rises, farmers are already at work tending to the crops that will feed their families and sustain their communities. For them, growing grains isn’t just about food — it’s their way of life and what they have always depended on.
But despite months of hard work, farmers in Kenya continue to lose up to 40% of their harvest. Most of them still rely on traditional methods, passed down for generations. But in today’s changing climate, unpredictable weather, prolonged rainy seasons, and extreme heat make drying and storage even more challenging, especially for smallholder farmers, who already operate with very limited resources. Many simply cannot afford climate-resilient solutions, leaving them vulnerable to losses beyond their control. Without the right tools, a significant portion of their harvest gets damaged or lost before reaching the market.
Ending up with a poor harvest after a long and laborious process is not just a wasted effort. When farmers lose crops, they lose not just food but also the income they depend on. For many, this could mean months of uncertainty, financial struggles, skipped meals, hunger, and even children missing school.
The Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme – Climate-Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods Window (KCEP-CRAL) recognizes these challenges and has been actively supporting farmers by improving post-harvest practices and food availability. To further this mission, GrainPro partnered with them under the Ministry of Agriculture to provide climate-resilient post-harvest solutions. Through this partnership, farmers and communities gained access to GrainPro solutions, enabling them to dry and store their harvests under optimal conditions.
As one of the key factors that determine a successful harvest, drying directly affects the quality and quantity of crops before storage and transport. Before this program, they would spread grains on the ground, hoping for good weather. However, sun drying can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and unreliable. Even a single instance of unexpected rain can undo the days of hard work. And when grains are not dried properly, they become vulnerable to mold and pests.
To address this challenge, KCEP-CRAL gave Solar Bubble Dryers to the farmers, a simple but powerful solution that allows farmers to dry their crops safely, no matter the weather. These dryers shield grains from sudden rains, pests, and contamination while preserving their quality and nutritional value.
Many farmers are now using these dryers not just for grains, but also for vegetables, tomatoes, maize, beans, and groundnuts, among other crops grown in their region. This has been a big help in diversifying their sources of income to provide more food and opportunities for their families.
After drying, proper storage is just as important. For years, many farmers have seen their hard work go to waste simply because they lacked proper storage. Traditional granaries often expose their stored crops to moisture and pest infestations, leading to damage or, worse, loss.
Left with few options, some farmers turn to chemical treatments in an attempt to protect their produce, which are not just costly but also come with health risks, and can even affect the taste and smell of their produce. While others are forced to sell immediately after harvest, even at low prices, just to avoid spoilage.
To give farmers a safer and more effective option, they were also provided with GrainPro Hermetic Bags. Now, with the use of hermetic bags, farmers can store crops safely without chemicals, keeping them fresh longer by locking out moisture and pests.
Geoffrey Krop Toung’ole, a member of the GrainPro Africa team, grew up in a family of farmers, so he knows how difficult it is to protect a harvest. Before joining GrainPro, he saw the struggles of farmers like his parents, losing crops to pests and mold. When Geoffrey’s family started using GrainPro bags, everything changed. Instead of losing their grain to pests, they were able to preserve it for longer without using any chemicals.
Seeing the impact that GrainPro solutions can make, Geoffrey was inspired to help other farmers gain access to the same solutions. Now, as part of GrainPro, he travels across Kenya, training farmers on how to preserve their harvests and secure their livelihoods.
With better storage, farmers don’t have to rush to sell their crops at low prices. They can wait for market prices to rise, ensuring they get the best value for their hard work.
These solutions don’t just reduce losses — they help farmers increase profits and lower costs. Compared to traditional methods, farmers are now spending up to 30% less, enabling them to reinvest in their farms, support their families, and build a more stable future.
By supporting the farmers who dedicate their lives to cultivating the grains that nourish millions, we take a vital step toward a future where no harvest is wasted.
“GrainPro being a partner in KCEP has really impacted farmers positively to improve their livelihood, increasing their production, keeping their commodities of food available for future use, and also increasing economic value by adding value with what they have.”
- Geoffrey, GrainPro Africa team member
And when we invest in the people who nourish the world, we take a vital step toward a future where no grain — and no effort — is ever wasted.
