International model, actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Sabrina Elba, arrives in Kenya today on an official visit.
Among the IFAD delegation, Elba is joined by Donal Brown, Associate Vice President, Programme Management Department.
During her stay she will have a chance to interact with participants from two IFAD-supported projects in Embu and Nyeri. With over 75 per cent of Kenya's estimated 48 million people living in rural areas, Elba will experience first-hand the impact that IFAD investments are having on the lives of rural communities especially women and girls.
"Climate change is hitting African farmers the hardest of all. Being an IFAD Goodwill Ambassador gives me an important opportunity to amplify the voices of women and girls in rural areas. While they may account for the bulk of the labour force in agriculture, they continue to be left out of decision making and struggle to access finance, land and information. I am excited to meet Kenyan farmers and I want to share their stories of struggle and resilience with the world," Sabrina Elba, IFAD Goodwill Ambassador.
Since 1979, IFAD has financed 20 rural development programmes and projects in Kenya for a total value of US$980.31 million, of which IFAD has contributed US$455.09 million, directly benefiting about 4.6 million rural households.
