A leading agricultural investor, AgDevCo, has committed $9.5 million to Agventure, a farmer-owned enterprise in Kenya focused on promoting regenerative agriculture and strengthening local food production systems.

The investment, structured as a mezzanine loan, will support Agventure’s efforts to scale sustainable farming practices, expand value-added production, and enhance access to high-quality inputs for farmers across the country.

Driving Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya

Founded in 2010, Agventure brings together farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to promote environmentally sustainable farming methods. The company focuses on non-irrigated, cereal-based systems that improve soil health, increase crop resilience, and reduce dependence on water-intensive agriculture.

Through its Centre of Excellence, Agventure has trained more than 700 small and medium-scale farmers, equipping them with skills in crop rotation and regenerative practices. These initiatives are designed to enhance productivity while maintaining long-term soil sustainability.

Boosting Local Production and Value Addition

Agventure currently supplies over 45,000 tonnes of crops—including wheat, barley, maize, and legumes—to the domestic market. A key component of its model is the integration of rotational crops such as canola, which improves soil quality while creating additional income streams for farmers.

The company provides a guaranteed offtake for canola seeds, which are processed into locally branded canola oil, reducing reliance on imported edible oils and strengthening Kenya’s food security.

Scaling Canola Oil and Seed Supply

The funding from AgDevCo will enable Agventure to expand its canola oil production capacity and increase procurement from outgrower farmers to meet rising demand. In addition, the investment will support the growth of Agventure Seed, a platform aimed at supplying certified, high-quality seeds to farmers to improve yields and productivity.

Strengthening Kenya’s Agricultural Value Chain

According to AgDevCo, the investment aligns with its broader mission to support agribusinesses that deliver both commercial returns and positive social impact.

The partnership is expected to enhance local value addition, increase the availability of high-quality domestically produced food, and reduce Kenya’s dependence on imports.

Continued Investment in African Agriculture

AgDevCo has been actively expanding its footprint across Africa’s agricultural sector through strategic investments. Recent initiatives include partnerships in South Africa’s avocado and citrus industries, as well as investments in East African agribusiness platforms to boost fresh food production and supply chains.