DFCD intends to support Origen Fresh in developing a more resilient, traceable and responsible smallholder sourcing network
The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD), through its Origination Facility, intends to support Origen Fresh EPZ Limited, a woman-led Kenyan producer and exporter of crude and refined avocado oil. Established in 2021, Origen operates from the Athi River Export Processing Zone in Machakos County and currently sources avocados from approximately 2,500 smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga and Meru Counties, 46% of whom are women. The company plans to expand its contracted sourcing network to more than 5,000 farmers by 2027.
The DFCD Origination Facility, managed by WWF-NL and SNV, supports the development of investment-ready projects with a strong climate resilience and impact focus. The proposed project was developed through joint WWF and FMO due diligence and focuses on strengthening climate adaptation, water resilience, biodiversity management, farmer traceability, and environmental and social practices across Origen’s sourcing network.
Smallholder avocado production in the Mount Kenya region is increasingly exposed to climate variability, changing rainfall patterns, water stress and pest pressure. These conditions can affect avocado yields, fruit quality and harvest timing, creating risks for farmer livelihoods and the long-term reliability of Origen’s supply.
Origen’s sourcing areas also overlap with an ecologically important landscape surrounding Mount Kenya. Limited farmer data and traceability systems make it harder to incorporate these risks into sourcing and business decisions. As Origen expands its farmer network and processing operations, it is developing stronger systems to manage risks while meeting evolving buyer, certification, investor and regulatory expectations.
Origen has an established processing business, international certifications and an existing farmer extension network that can provide a foundation for more climate-resilient avocado production. By assessing climate, water and biodiversity risks and incorporating the findings into farmer support, sourcing criteria and traceability systems, Origen can make better-informed decisions about where and how it expands. The project can also strengthen the company’s ability to support farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices and integrated pest management.
In the proposed DFCD Origination Facility, WWF Kenya and WWF-NL will support Origen through the following activities:
Securing investment following the Origination project will help Origen achieve the following:
“The partnership with DFCD comes at a particularly important time. The Hass avocado variety has recently been impacted by a pest previously unknown in Kenya, the Persia mite. Farmers who practised organic farming were less affected, highlighting the value of sustainable farming practices. Through this partnership, we aim to support our farmers in becoming more resilient by adopting improved pest management practices and promoting biodiversity on their farms. This will ultimately increase their yields.”
– Mr. Patrick Ndungu, Director at Origen Fresh and Chairman of the Avocado Oil Processors Association of Kenya
“Origen Fresh is a strong example of what the DFCD Origination Facility exists to do, back businesses where commercial growth and environmental responsibility genuinely reinforce each other. This partnership gives Origen the tools to understand the climate, water and biodiversity risks across its sourcing areas, and to build that understanding into how it sources, trains and supports farmers as it scales. That kind of groundwork is what makes a project genuinely investable, and it's what we look for across the Origination Facility's pipeline. We are pleased to stand behind Origen as they take this next step.”
– Dr. Abubakar Lewano, DFCD Regional Lead for Africa
With DFCD support and new investment, Origen will generate the climate, water and biodiversity insights needed to guide the expansion of its sourcing network. The company will then translate these findings into practical farmer-support materials, sourcing criteria, traceability systems and management processes. In doing so, Origen can expand on a stronger environmental and social foundation while supporting smallholder farmers to respond to climate and supply-chain risks.
For more information, please contact:
Abubakar Lewano
DFCD Regional Lead for Africa
alewano@wwfkenya.org
In case you have any grievances in relation to this project of the DFCD’s Origination Facility, please contact the service desk at servicedesk@wwf.nl.
The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) is a climate fund, dedicated to supporting climate adaptation and mitigation projects which benefit vulnerable communities and landscapes. Initially funded by the Dutch government, it is powered by a consortium of four expert organisations: FMO (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank), CFM (Climate Fund Managers), SNV, a global development partner, and WWF Netherlands.
