DULUTH, GA, February 28, 2020 – The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), a private foundation committed to food security and sustainable agricultural development, today announced a new partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to pilot an initiative that will assist in meeting agricultural and nutritional demands at one of Africa’s largest refugee camps.

Against a population of over 200,000 registered refugees, asylum-seekers and the host community, the partnership will address a combination of factors influencing local food production and supply of food aid, such as climate-related impacts, poor performance of crops and livestock, and the lack of access to modern agricultural systems. “We understand the urgent need for sustainable alternative sources of food production to combat the local food shortage. Our foundation is thrilled to be a strategic funding partner to foster Dadaab’s agricultural development, which aligns perfectly with our objective of making a smart impact on marginalized farming communities,” says Metti Richenhagen, Managing Director, AGCO Agriculture Foundation.

The AGCO Agriculture Foundation’s funding is geared towards the future establishment of an 85-acre mechanized farm for pivot-irrigation and crop production. The pivot farm project will produce and preserve pasture for livestock and develop alfalfa for high-quality protein animal feed. The initiative introduces sustainable agricultural operations around the camps, including modern farming techniques, mechanization and irrigation solutions, and soil cover for reduced water loss.

The Dadaab refugee complex consists of three open camps while two camps were permanently closed following repatriation of refugees and camp consolidation by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). UNHCR together with the Kenya Red Cross Society, as the leading humanitarian agency across the continent, still operates health intervention and environmental rehabilitation in the refugee complex. “Securing livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations remains a key focus of the Kenya Red Cross Society, and food security has been a major challenge in the Dadaab Refugee camp and its environs. We therefore appreciate the AGCO Agriculture Foundation for this timely intervention that seeks to increase pasture production, food production, nutrition and reduce food security crisis for the refugees and host community,” says Dr Asha Mohammed, the Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General.

The new agriculture initiative will be implemented in conjunction with the UNHCR and also the Kenya County Government of Garissa. “Our partnership with the KRCS and aim to jointly foster local development for food security in Dadaab also caught the attention of Mechan Groep in the Netherlands. As a leading distributor of agricultural machines and equipment, the organization supports this AAF initiative closely related to their business of farming,” adds Richenhagen.

About the AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF)
The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), initiated by AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO) in 2018, is a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger. The foundation initiates impactful programs that support food security, foster sustainable agricultural development and build needed agricultural infrastructure in marginalized farming communities. AAF is domiciled in Vaduz, Liechtenstein and operations are managed from Duluth, Georgia, USA. For more information, please visit https://www.agcocorp.com/commitment/sustainability/focus-areas/communities.html.

About Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The KRCS, a voluntary humanitarian organization created by an Act of Parliament (Cap 356 of the Laws of Kenya, 21st December 1965), is auxiliary to both national and county governments. It works closely with communities, volunteers, and partners to ensure efficient delivery of humanitarian response and development services. The KRCS’s vision is to be a sustainable, effective and trusted humanitarian organization serving present and future generations. KRCS work is guided by four core values including: Service to humanity; Integrity; Respect and Innovation. And the value proposition being “Always There”. https://www.redcross.or.ke/about-us