Looking back

For over 20 years, FIPS has strengthened farmers and supported young agri-entrepreneurs. Together with partners, we build resilient and inclusive food systems.

Small Farms, Big Futures

Our history

FIPS Africa was founded in 2003 with a simple but powerful insight: smallholder farmers lacked access to practical technologies and trusted support, yet held immense potential to drive Africa’s food security. What started as a small seed distribution initiative has grown into a leader in community-based extension, smallholder farmer support, agricultural innovation, and system-wide transformation. Through partnership with governments, research institutions, and private sector actors, FIPS has scaled programmes that strengthen farmers, markets, and food systems. Over the years, these milestones have created proven models that partners can engage with to drive lasting impact.

2025

2025

FIPS Africa rebrands and launches Small Farms, Big Futures strategy formalising our goal to reach 5.5 million farming family members by 2030. The strategy strengthens enterprise-based models and creates opportunities for partners to adopt and scale FIPS solutions across 20+ African countries.
2019

2019

FIPS expanded into youth-led agri-enterprise, market systems facilitation, and cost-effective innovations in soil health, pests, and value chains. Partners collaborated in scaling these solutions to create resilient, income-generating opportunities for farmers.
2017

2017

FIPS consolidated programmes in Kenya and began training partners across Sub-Saharan Africa. AGRA 2.0 adopted the Village-based Advisor (VBA) model, showing how collaborative approaches can extend FIPS’ reach and impact.
2009

2009

FIPS launched the Village-based Advisor (VBA) Model to strengthen last-mile extension, transitioning advisors from stipend-based roles to self-employment. Today, the VBA model remains the backbone of community-driven advisory services, with partners playing a key role in strengthening and scaling local extension networks.
2003

2003

FIPS was founded in Kenya to help small-scale farmers access improved inputs and practical knowledge. From the start, partnerships with local communities and organisations were central to delivering scalable, lasting solutions.

Partner with FIPS to scale lasting impact

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Why FIPS exists
Transforming lives and systems
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Looking back
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