After Alexandria in Egypt, Nairobi marks another step toward a Mediterranean-African network of sustainability.
This morning, the first genuine farmers’ market in Nairobi was inaugurated at Rosslyn Square Shopping Center (30516/33, Red Hill Link Road). This initiative is a significant milestone in the creation of a network of agricultural markets between the Mediterranean and Africa. Operating every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the market is the result of the Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMI-Farmers Markets). It is funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented by CIHEAM Bari in collaboration with the World Farmers Markets Coalition and Coldiretti’s Campagna Amica Foundation. The strong support of the Italian Embassy in Kenya, led by Ambassador Roberto Natali, was instrumental in making this project a reality.
The Nairobi inauguration marks the second opening of this initiative, following the launch in Alexandria, Egypt, a few months ago. It is another step in building a network involving countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Kenya, and Albania. This network aims to promote a sustainable and direct agricultural supply chain while strengthening ties between farmers and consumers, delivering tangible benefits to local communities and the broader Mediterranean-African region.
Quality and Sustainability Offerings
Inspired by Italy’s Campagna Amica model, the Nairobi Farmers Market will serve as a hub for the direct sale of fresh, high-quality local products. About 40 local farmers will participate in the initiative, offering a wide variety of goods, including fruits and vegetables, bread and baked goods, honey, meats, tea, nuts, pasta, coffee, flowers, and artisanal wood and textile crafts. Every Saturday, consumers will be able to buy directly from producers, supporting a fair and sustainable economic model. For the opening event, two Coldiretti chefs, Piero Ligorio and Alessia D’Anselmo, collaborated with local chefs on themes of sustainability and seasonal foods.
Growth and Inclusion for Local Communities
With the legal support of the Campagna Amica Foundation and the participation of the Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAF), the Regional Coalition of Farmers Markets (RECOF) was established. This new organization works to ensure the inclusion of local farmers and the proper functioning of the market. The approach fosters a virtuous cycle of training, exchanging best practices, and social inclusion to strengthen local agriculture.
Dennis Andaye, CEO of RECOF and one of the project’s promoters, emphasized the importance of creating a short supply chain connecting farmers to markets. “This provides opportunities for producers and consumers to access fresh, sustainable, high-quality products, while promoting the development of local communities,” he said.
Carmelo Troccoli, Director of the Campagna Amica Foundation and General Director of the World Farmers Markets Coalition, stated: “The opening of the Nairobi Farmers Market marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to dignify farmers while promoting more sustainable lifestyles. This is just the first step in a project that aims to expand to other cities in Kenya and beyond, contributing to sustainable agriculture growth in the region.”
Dominga Cotarella, President of Terranostra, highlighted the importance of sharing European expertise to make agriculture more competitive and resilient. “We aim to build collaborative and exchange networks that foster increasingly sustainable agriculture capable of adapting to future challenges.”
The Nairobi Farmers Market opening represents the second crucial step in an ambitious project that will continue to grow in the coming years. Plans are already underway for new markets in Lebanon and Tunisia, with the goal of expanding the farmers’ market network and promoting sustainability throughout the region.
Market Information
Inauguration Date: January 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Location: Rosslyn Square Shopping Center, 30516/33, Red Hill Link Road, Nairobi
Hours: Every Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Products Available: Fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and baked goods, honey, meats, tea, nuts, pasta, coffee, flowers, and artisanal wood and textile crafts.
