Rainforest Alliance Launches Flourish Project to Benefit 5,000 Women and Youth in Kirinyaga and Embu

At least 5,000 women and youth in Kirinyaga and Embu counties stand to gain from a new initiative focused on climate-smart and regenerative agriculture. The Flourish Project, led by the Rainforest Alliance and funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, aims to improve household incomes while promoting sustainable farming practices.

The program targets marginalized groups in the Mount Kenya landscape. It addresses socioeconomic barriers that limit women’s and youth’s full participation in agriculture despite their key roles in supply chains.

Full Name and Scope of the Initiative

Flourish stands for Financial and Livelihoods Opportunities Using Regenerative Innovations for Sustainable Households. The 18-month project began in November 2025.

It operates in Kenya’s Mt. Kenya landscape and Côte d’Ivoire’s Bossématié Landscape. In Kenya, focus falls on smallholder farming communities in Kirinyaga and Embu counties.

The Rainforest Alliance leads implementation. Funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation enables partnerships with local groups to deliver training and support.

Focus on Economic Empowerment and Inclusion

The project prioritizes financial inclusion for women, youth, and other marginalized farmers. Beneficiaries include smallholder farmers, farm workers, and community members.

Participants gain access to entrepreneurship training, revolving funds, and green business opportunities. These tools help build resilient livelihoods.

Regenerative practices form the core. Farmers learn techniques that restore soil health, conserve water, and boost biodiversity. Such methods counter climate pressures like erratic rains and soil degradation common in the region.

Building on Mount Kenya Landscape Efforts

Kirinyaga and Embu form part of the vital Mount Kenya agricultural hub. The area supports tea, coffee, and horticulture, with high biodiversity value.

The Rainforest Alliance has long worked here. Earlier programs like the Mount Kenya Sustainable Landscape and Livelihoods Program (MSuLLi) trained thousands in sustainable practices.

Flourish builds on that foundation. It scales regenerative innovations to reach more vulnerable households. Improved incomes follow from better yields and diversified enterprises.

Expected Benefits for Households and Communities

Women and youth often face limited access to credit, land, and markets. The project tackles these gaps directly.

Trained participants can adopt climate-resilient crops and practices. This strengthens food security and reduces vulnerability to droughts.

Household incomes rise through value addition and market linkages. Green jobs emerge from sustainable ventures.

The initiative aligns with national goals for regenerative agriculture and gender equity in farming.

Path to Sustainable Impact

As the project rolls out, local farmer groups receive support. Monitoring ensures practices take hold and deliver results.

With strong partnerships, Flourish promises lasting change. Empowered women and youth lead the shift toward regenerative, inclusive farming in Kirinyaga and Embu.

The Rainforest Alliance continues to advocate for such models across Africa. This effort shows how targeted investment can restore landscapes and uplift communities.