The DMDP Programme Closeout Workshop: Reflecting on Five Years of Transformative Impact

On 23rd October 2025, MESPT held a closeout workshop to mark the successful completion of the Danida Market Development Partnerships (DMDP) Programme, a five-year initiative funded by DANIDA.

Implemented by a consortium of partners including MESPT (administrative partner), ORANA A/S, Wanda Agricultural Group (WAG), and the County Government of Taita Taveta, the programme has transformed the face of banana farming in Taveta Sub-County.

At its core, the initiative sought to spur job creation by enhancing the competitiveness of the banana subsector, a goal that has borne remarkable fruit.

Over the past five years, the programme has empowered thousands of farmers, strengthened agribusinesses, and promoted sustainable farming practices. Household incomes among banana farmers rose by 62%, while post-harvest losses declined by 85%. Collaborations with partners such as ORANA A/S, WAG, TATABA Cooperative, Ziada Solutions, and nursery operators created over 398 direct and indirect jobs, contributing significantly to local economic growth.

A key success of the project has been the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices. Today, 82% of farmers apply Good Agricultural and Climate Smart practices, and 98.2% use tissue culture seedlings mainly the Grand Nain variety. The MESPT staff, together with partners and a programme beneficiary, share a photo moment with H.E. Dr. Andrew Mwadime, Governor of Taita Taveta County, and H.E. Christine Kilalo, Deputy Governor. The project also linked 2,197 farmers to commercial buyers, achieving 97% of its aggregation target.

But beyond the numbers, the DMDP Programme has changed lives. For Rose Dawa, a banana farmer from Kitobo, the transformation has been deeply personal. “We had bananas, but no one to buy them,” she recalled. “Even when we found buyers, they dictated the prices. We had no choice but to accept whatever they offered, no matter how little.”

Like many others, Rose struggled under the weight of unfair markets and unreliable brokers. With no structured systems in place, farmers were vulnerable and unable to provide for their families. “This project has helped me sell my produce at better prices, support my children’s education, and achieve financial stability,” she said with a smile.

Similarly, Penina Mshabaha, a lead farmer in the project, noted how the programme revolutionized production practices. “We didn’t know about tissue culture seedlings,” she said. “We used to plant suckers from old farms, and productivity kept declining year after year.”

For Niels Osterberg, Director of ORANA A/S, the success of the programme represents a bold step forward for African agriculture. “The organic cluster is close to my heart because we have done something that has not been done in Africa. Thank you MESPT for helping us do it,” he remarked during the workshop.

He emphasized that while the first phase focused on production, the next chapter will aim to increase volumes and improve quality, achieving premium, bruise-free organic bananas. ORANA reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with organic farmers in Taveta, ensuring certification and premium market access.

Through investments exceeding DKK 25 million, partners like ORANA and WAG have also developed circular economy solutions such as composting, fibre extraction, bio-organic fertilizer production, and eco-packaging — achieving 100% waste conversion at their commercial farms.

In line with Denmark’s vision for green, inclusive, and responsible business, over 2,000 farmers were trained on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), strengthening values around human rights, environment, labour, and anti-corruption within agribusiness operations. Speaking at the workshop, MESPT CEO, Rebecca Amukhoye, underscored the importance of sustainability beyond the project’s lifetime.

“True rural development is when what you begin continues to thrive long after you’ve moved on. Real success in development is not about staying forever, it’s about empowering communities to take charge and drive the transformation they started.”

Echoing this commitment, H.E. Hon. Dr. Andrew Mwadime, Governor of Taita Taveta County, pledged continued government support.

“Farmers, while we have partners supporting us, you must also play your part. As a county, we’re ready to give our full support to all development partners.”

As the DMDP Programme concludes, the legacy it leaves behind in Taita Taveta is one of renewed hope, resilience, and sustainable growth. From improved livelihoods and empowered farmers to greener agricultural practices, the seeds of transformation have been sown deep.