Climate-Resilient Agricultural Value Chains in Kenya: Environmental and Social Management Framework

This Environmental and Social Management Framework guides the management of environmental and social risks under the Transforming Livelihoods through Climate-Resilient, Low-Carbon Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kenya project.

Financed by the Green Climate Fund, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the commercial viability of six agricultural value chains: coffee, dairy, fruit trees, indigenous vegetables, poultry and tea. It focuses on agri-food cooperatives as key channels for providing farmers with knowledge, technologies, services, finance and market opportunities.

The framework identifies potential environmental and social risks associated with the project and establishes procedures for screening activities, preventing or mitigating harm, engaging affected communities and addressing grievances. It covers biodiversity, pollution prevention, decent work, community health and safety, gender equality, land tenure, Indigenous Peoples and cultural heritage.

The project is classified as a moderate-risk project. Its anticipated benefits include more resilient agricultural landscapes, stronger farmer organisations, improved access to climate information and finance and an estimated 2,000 jobs across the six value chains. The framework also recognises risks including increased pesticide use, land-related disputes, exclusion of vulnerable groups, gender-based violence and occupational hazards.

Read the full framework for the safeguards, institutional responsibilities and monitoring requirements that will apply throughout project implementation.