LRC Foundation
LRC Foundation’s framework that guides the fulfilment of its mission.
The History of LRC Foundation
LRC Foundation traces its origins to Latia Resource Centre, which was established in 2008 as a project of Faraja Trust. In 2011, Latia Resource Centre was independently registered as a social enterprise with the aim of providing training and business support to farmers, pastoralists, and agribusinesses.
In 2016, Latia Resource Centre established Latia Agripreneurship Institute to offer apprenticeship training for youth and to enable farmers, pastoralists, and agribusiness owners to access appropriate production technologies, skills, and mentorship needed to sustainably produce healthy crops and livestock.
In April 2017, Latia Agribusiness Solutions (LAS) was founded to take over the commercial activities, training, and extension services that had previously been carried out by Latia Agripreneurship Institute. Following the establishment of LAS and the clear separation of Latia Resource Centre’s commercial and non-profit activities, Latia Resource Centre retained its non-profit mandate and was subsequently renamed to LRC Foundation.
LRC Foundation was established on the belief that with effective practical training and adequate access to knowledge, technology, and operational support, Africa’s agricultural production can be modernized to achieve food security across the continent. The Foundation works toward economically and ecologically sustainable growth in agricultural productivity by leveraging experiential learning to equip farmers with practical, hands-on skills and knowledge that enhance their economic independence and productivity.
This approach is complemented by initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of individuals and communities that depend on agriculture in Africa, with particular focus on producers at the bottom of the pyramid. The Foundation’s interventions include value chain optimization to increase incomes and reduce food loss and waste, as well as the promotion of sustainable food production through climate-friendly practices that encourage renewable energy use, environmental conservation, and improved water resource management for farmers and rural communities.
Our Statement of Purpose
To enable smallholder and medium scale farmers in Africa produce adequate, high quality agricultural produce sustainably and earn better incomes.
The Vision
To be a centre of excellence driving agricultural transformation and growth in Africa based on sustainable principles that unlock the potential of smallholder and medium scale farmers.
Our Core Values
- Service orientation – We exist for the farmer and the enhancement of the welfare of communities. We embed farmer first approaches in our programming and consider relevance.
- Teaming – We embrace approaches that enhance cooperation, consultation and collaboration. We value each team member’s contribution and listen to all stakeholder voices.
- Accountability and transparency – We uphold high standards of integrity and honesty in our dealings We provide reporting and feedback on our activities, and promote a culture of openness.
- Technical excellence – We value expertise. We leverage the technical know how of our partners to deliver at the grassroots We reward competence and recognize merit We believe that having and retaining the best people is the best way of delivering efficiently and effectively
- Inclusivity – We believe that no one should be left behind. We make considerations for different groups and individuals We proscribe any form of discrimination
- Curiosity – Continuously learning, continuously improving, embracing innovation, creativity and the adoption of best practices as the hallmarks of our approach
- Sustainability and responsibility – We are committed to Environment, Social and
Governance (issues We are committed to mainstreaming environmental sustainability, championing climate resilient practices and lowering the carbon footprint. We enshrine good governance and a strong commitment to social responsibility
Our Key Strategic Decisions
- Consolidation and Scale – We are consolidating our operations in our home base (Kajiado County) at the Latia Agribusiness Institute and use this as a platform to run our programmes and implement projects in at least five other counties between 2023 – 2028.
- Localised And Tangible Grassroot Impact – for the period 2023 – 2028, we will focus on initiatives that touch communities We will work as an implementing agency working together with partners to deliver transformations on the ground
- Institution Strengthening and Organization Building – In order to deliver programmes at scale, LRC Foundation is working on robust, fit for purpose systems and structures.
