Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Primary Producers Cooperative Partnerships.

Opportunity

Agriterra invites primary producer cooperatives within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) to apply for participation in the TUNZA Project. The call is open for application from 5^thNovember 2025 and closes on the 20^th November 2025.

The TUNZA Project “Transforming Livelihoods through Climate Resilient, Low Carbon, Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Kenya” is a community-led initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with co-financing from the Government of Kenya (GOK), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Government of Denmark. The project is executed by FAO and Agriterra. TUNZA project targets to support80,000 members of 130 cooperatives across the 14 LREB Counties: Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, and Vihiga.

Agriterra is an international development organization that professionalizes farmer cooperatives to become bankable, profitable, and climate-resilient enterprises. Through structured advisory support, capacity development, and business coaching, Agriterra empowers cooperatives to drive inclusive growth and sustainable transformation in rural economies.

Through the partnership with FAO, the Government of Kenya, and the Government of Denmark, Agriterra supports the project’s objective to foster climate-resilient, low-carbon, and environmentally sustainable agricultural value chains by leveraging on cooperatives as key agents of change, enhancing their governance, inclusivity, financial health, and adoption of climate-smart technologies.

The initiative covers six value chains; African leafy vegetables, coffee, dairy, fruit trees, poultry, and tea, across three clusters:

• Nandi Cluster: Nandi, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia
• Kisumu     Cluster: Kisumu, Vihiga, Siaya, Kericho
• Homabay Cluster: Homabay, Migori, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet

Call for Partnership

Agriterra invites dynamic, forward-looking, and climate-smart primary producer cooperatives from the14 target counties to join the TUNZA Project. This partnership opportunity is only open to primary producer cooperatives who meet the eligibility criteria;

Eligibility Criteria‍

Agriterra aims to onboard 130cooperatives from the LREB counties, reaching 80,000 farmers. To ensure we have a fair and transparent selection process, the following key criteria apply for all cooperatives willing and committed to apply

• Must be legally registered as a cooperative and based in one of the 14 LREB counties.
• Operate in at least one of the six CRLCSA value chains, in line with specific County’s preference
• Have approved by-laws, governance structures, and AGM/board meeting records.
• At least three years of audited financial statements or relevant financial documentation
• A current five-year strategic business or growth plan
• Have a maintained farmer membership register (500+ active members is a plus.)
• Must be farmer-led cooperative.
• Be an ambitious cooperatives seeking- positive change
• Operate in or near community lands, forests or near wetlands
• Commit to inclusivity (women, youth, PWD) and climate-smart policies.

Submission Guidelines

The cooperatives who meet the above criteria are invited to;

1. Fill in and submit their application through the link [https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/8NCLXCa1].

OR

2. Download the online form, fill in and Email to GCF@agriterra.org with subject: EOI – [County name] – [Cooperative Name] – TUNZA Project.

OR

3. Download the online form, print and submit the duly filled in hard copies to your nearest Sub-County Agriculture Office. (Please use only one mode of application; either online or downloaded forms)  

Review and Selection Process

The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.

Selected cooperatives will undergo a two- step screening and selection process;

1. Scoping Assessment – eligibility review.
2. Detailed Cooperative Assessment -   Climate Clever Check (CA-CCA) – governance, business model, climate readiness, and financial health check

NOTE:

1. Only cooperatives that successfully qualify for the two stages shall be onboarded.
2. Successful cooperatives shall be contacted through Agriterra official email: gcf@agriterra.org.
3. Unsuccessful cooperatives after scoping and assessment shall receive feedback and advice from
4. Agriterra in collaboration with the County cooperative officers to strengthen their systems and improve their chances for future consideration.

For questions and more information, please reach out to: gcf@agriterra.org

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