KIGALI, Rwanda — About 260,000 smallholder farmers across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda are set to benefit from a new financing programme designed to help them adapt to the growing effects of climate change.
The Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Finance Mechanism (ARCAFIM), launched by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Equity Group, will also target 500 rural businesses involved in agricultural value chains.
The 12-year programme will provide financing for investments that can help farmers and rural enterprises withstand climate-related challenges.
Among the areas targeted are irrigation and water harvesting, livestock and dairy resilience, post-harvest storage, renewable energy and climate-resilient agro-processing.
The programme is expected to strengthen food security for approximately 1.2 million people, while about 1.5 million people are projected to benefit directly and indirectly.
Women and young people are also expected to form a significant proportion of the beneficiaries. At least 50 percent of the beneficiaries will be women, while 30 percent will be youth.
IFAD Vice President Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana said the initiative is intended to ensure that global climate commitments translate into practical investments within rural communities.
ARCAFIM will combine financing with technical support to help farmers and rural businesses identify investments that can effectively protect their livelihoods from climate-related risks.
The initiative was launched during the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.
IFAD and Equity Group said the programme will begin in East Africa but could eventually be replicated in other parts of Africa.
