TruStory
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.
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.”
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 Through its Farmer Field Schools and Out-Grower Farmer Support Program, FarmWorks empowers farmers to transition from outdated methods to sustainable, climate-smart farming practices.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.”
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.