TruStory 

FarmWorks: Transforming Agriculture, Empowering Communities

The company

FarmWorks is a mission-driven, integrated agricultural company founded in 2020 based in Kenya. They are the largest domestic distributor of fresh food today, growing rapidly to meet ever increasing demand. With a deep commitment to developing sustainable farming practices, FarmWorks is spearheading a transformative movement in Kenya’s agricultural sector by establishing a cohesive ecosystem that bridges the gap between mid-sized farms and smallholder farmers. This initiative disrupts conventional market practices, ensuring an equitable and efficient agricultural value chain.

With a deep commitment to developing sustainable farming practices, FarmWorks is spearheading a transformative movement in Kenya’s agricultural sector by establishing a cohesive ecosystem that bridges the gap between mid-sized farms and smallholder farmers. This initiative disrupts conventional market practices, ensuring an equitable and efficient agricultural value chain.

The entrepreneur

Yi Li, originally from China, serves as the CEO and co-founder of FarmWorks. After an academic career, Li gained valuable experience as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, working across offices in the U.S., China, and Kenya. In 2021, she co-founded FarmWorks with Kenyan entrepreneur Peter Muthee. Under her leadership, the organization champions sustainable farming practices and food security across Africa.

Yi emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to agritech: “Agritech is not uncommon in Africa, with companies working on fields like agricultural finance, water management, and technological improvements. However, many of these companies act as lenders, providing resources on credit to be repaid post-harvest. To truly revolutionize agriculture, solutions must address the entire value chain—helping farmers understand what crops to grow and how to grow them effectively.”

“FarmWorks serves both the farmer and the market. We focus obsessively on operational discipline. Data and technology allow us to scale and deepen our impact. Simple, effective technology helps us capture real-time data, eliminate waste, use dynamic pricing, and build trader loyalty.” – Yi Li

Impact

Partnering with over 4,000 smallholder farmers, FarmWorks equips them with modern farming inputs, practical knowledge, and guaranteed access to markets. This integrated approach significantly enhances both agricultural yields and farmer incomes. Through its Farmer Field Schools and Out-Grower Farmer Support Program, FarmWorks empowers farmers to transition from outdated methods to sustainable, climate-smart farming practices.

A notable 90% of farmers report substantial improvements in their farming techniques due to FarmWorks’ interventions, while 80% attest to the program’s positive impact on their recovery from climate shocks.

Additionally, 71% of the farmers have experienced income growth, with 36% reporting a significant rise in earnings alongside improved food security, underscoring the tangible benefits of FarmWorks’ efforts.

One smallholder farmer shared their experience: “As a result of the training and increased farm production, I have increased income, which has become very helpful in taking care of my household and family’s needs, such as food, clothes, payment of school fees, and other household items.”

FarmWorks prioritizes gender equity and workforce empowerment. With 65% of its 400 employees being women, the company fosters an inclusive work environment, supporting gender equity through training initiatives like sexual harassment awareness and diversity training. Furthermore, FarmWorks has created opportunities for smallholder farmers, who often lack access to consistent markets, to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.FarmWorks champions gender inclusivity by ensuring equitable access to its programs for women farmers, who play a pivotal role in Kenyan agriculture. Women, often marginalized, are now integral to the Out-Grower Farmer Support Program, receiving inputs, training, and market access. This empowerment fosters financial independence and improved household livelihoods.FarmWorks also encourages women’s participation in technical roles traditionally dominated by men. By challenging societal norms, FarmWorks strengthens the resilience and productivity of farming communities.
FarmWorks’ impact extends beyond individual farmers to the broader agricultural value chain. With 1000 tons of fresh produce reaching domestic markets monthly, the organization’s efforts benefit retailers, last-mile delivery players, and export channels. FarmWorks supplies 5,000 customers across 20+ branches in Kenya and exports 100 tons of produce every month, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and sustainability.
FarmWorks tackles Kenya’s high youth unemployment rates by creating opportunities in agriculture. Of its 360+ full-time employees, 90% are youth, and 50% are women. The company has introduced competitive performance-based rewards and provides regular training to enhance employee skills.Through its apprentice-based FarmWorks Institute, 45 young individuals received residential training in 2020, learning advanced techniques in irrigation, crop protection, financial management, and post-harvest handling. Graduates often join FarmWorks’ as junior technicians, with clear career pathways for professional growth. This practical approach bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world agricultural challenges, fostering innovation and professionalism within the sector.On the market side, FarmWorks operates 20+ local branches, serving over 5,000 market vendors with consistent, high-quality fresh produce. This effort ensures reliable access to nutritious food and supports local economies.
In their commitment to environmental sustainability, FarmWorks uses world-class agronomy practices to ensure soil health and reduce environmental degradation. The company also actively participates in improving local food systems, helping to combat food insecurity in Kenya through responsible farming practices.
By focusing on smallholder farmers and providing them with input financing, on-the-ground education, and consistent off-take agreements, FarmWorks is fostering rural economic development. The company’s efforts have helped create a more equitable and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Further, by combining technology with a farmer-centric approach, FarmWorks builds a future-ready agricultural ecosystem capable of sustainably meeting Kenya’s growing food demands.

A holistic approach

FarmWorks model centers on regional collection centers acting as hubs for clusters of smallholder farmers. These hubs manage production and provide extension services, allowing smallholders to focus on cultivation without heavy upfront investments. By partnering with SMEs in logistics, inputs, and retail, FarmWorks creates a seamless supply chain, reducing inefficiencies and mitigating market risks.

The company integrates advanced technology into its operations to enhance efficiency and scalability. Data intelligence systems enable real-time monitoring of farm performance, guiding decision-making and ensuring disciplined operations. Farmers benefit from climate-resilient seeds, modern machinery, and digital platforms that connect them directly to markets. This bypasses broker-dominated structures, offering competitive prices and reducing inefficiencies.

A holistic approach, combining sustainable farming practices, youth empowerment, gender equality, and technological innovation, positions it as a transformative force in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. By addressing systemic challenges and empowering communities, FarmWorks is cultivating a brighter future for Kenyan agriculture.

Susan, a market vendor in Kangemi, shared her satisfaction: “With FarmWorks, you cannot lose. They provide good quality and service. It’s convenient because their store is nearby. My customers are happy now.”

Miriam Gathigia Kibuchi, treasurer of FarmWorks’ Mugumo production unit, reflected on her experience: “I started farming with FarmWorks in 2022. I was elected treasurer through a ballot voting process. As a woman, I am respected in my role. FarmWorks provides affordable, high-quality seeds and inputs, along with training programs that taught us smart farming methods.”

Kelvin Obanda, an assistant farm production manager at Kilimambogo Farm, shared his journey: “During my apprenticeship, I went through training on pesticide application, how to train others, and how to manage people. After being promoted to team leader, I learned leadership, planning, and setting priorities. I now teach others what I learn. One day, I aim to become the director of the farm. I am happy to grow within FarmWorks as the organization grows.”

The challenges for uniqueness of FarmWorks

Challenges

Yi Li highlights a key challenge in Kenya’s agricultural sector: “Kenya has one of the most fragmented fresh food supply chains in the world. Around 80% of food is sold through open-market traders, served by thousands of individual brokers delivering inconsistent quality. FarmWorks has built a sourcing, grading, and distribution infrastructure, making us the most consistent and largest supplier of quality produce in Kenya.”

While FarmWorks has made significant strides, challenges remain. Yi Li notes: “We operate in a market with a lack of data, processes, and efficiency. Entrepreneurs must develop fit-for-market solutions rather than importing ideas that work in more developed markets but not in Africa.”

FarmWorks calls for greater public sector involvement, particularly in infrastructure development. Improved road access to farms and a reduction in duplicated business costs across counties would significantly enhance the agricultural value chains.

A unique answer to these challenges

FarmWorks stands out in Kenya’s agricultural landscape for its innovative approach to working with smallholder farmers. While many agricultural companies are turning away from smallholders in favor of large-scale commercial farms, FarmWorks is determined to build a scalable model around these farmers. This unique approach includes a combination of hands-on education, access to machinery, financing, and technology, all aimed at improving agricultural practices and outputs.

FarmWorks integrates advanced technology into its operations to enhance efficiency and scalability. Data intelligence systems enable real-time monitoring of farm performance, guiding decision-making and ensuring disciplined operations. Farmers benefit from climate-resilient seeds, modern machinery, and digital platforms that connect them directly to markets. This bypasses broker-dominated structures, offering competitive prices and reducing inefficiencies. By combining technology with a farmer-centric approach, FarmWorks builds a future-ready agricultural ecosystem capable of sustainably meeting Kenya’s growing food demands.

Yi Li underscores the importance of operational discipline: “FarmWorks serves both the farmer and the market. We focus obsessively on operational discipline. Data and technology allow us to scale and deepen our impact. Simple, effective technology helps us capture real-time data, eliminate waste, use dynamic pricing, and build trader loyalty.”

Future plans and scaling opportunities

FarmWorks plans to continue scaling its operations both geographically and in terms of impact. The company is focused on expanding its out-grower program and increasing the number of smallholder farmers involved. As the company builds more market access infrastructure, it plans to extend its reach beyond its current farming base, with a vision to become one of Kenya’s leading agricultural enterprises.

FarmWorks is also focused on developing its technology platform, which will allow farmers to better manage their operations and streamline their coordination with the company. With a strong focus on long-term sustainability, FarmWorks is exploring opportunities to scale its model to other East African countries, tapping into the region’s untapped agricultural potential.

Truvalu's co-entrepreneurship

Truvalu’s partnership with FarmWorks is an excellent example of co-entrepreneurship, where both parties work together to achieve shared goals of social and financial impact. As an impact investor, Truvalu’s support goes beyond just financial backing; they provide strategic advice, mentorship, help to strengthen FarmWorks’ market access to Europe by connecting the company to European buyers. Truvalu also assists with fundraising efforts.