Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Power for Food Partnership?
The Power for Food Partnership is a multi-country, multi-stakeholder initiative that works at the nexus of regenerative agriculture and the productive use of renewable energy. Coordinated by SNV and supported by the IKEA Foundation, we bring together governments, civil society, research institutions, farmer organisations, and the private sector across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda to build food systems that are renewable, regenerative, and resilient. We are not a single programme or project. We are a growing movement of partners working together to shift the way food and energy systems connect, from the farm level to the policy level.
What does RA-PURE mean?
RA-PURE stands for Regenerative Agriculture and Productive Use of Renewable Energy. It describes the integrated approach at the heart of our work, combining practices that restore soil health, biodiversity, and water systems with renewable energy solutions like solar irrigation, cold storage, and biogas that power agricultural productivity. We believe these two approaches are stronger together than apart.
Why focus on both regenerative agriculture and renewable energy together?
Food and energy systems are deeply interconnected, yet they are almost always treated separately. Regenerative agriculture restores the soil and natural resources that food production depends on, while renewable energy powers the irrigation, processing, and storage that make farming more productive and resilient. By working at this nexus, we unlock opportunities that neither sector could achieve alone, and we help build the case for a more integrated approach across policy, markets, and communities.
Who does the Partnership work with?
We work with a diverse and growing coalition of partners across the food and energy systems. This includes government ministries, research institutions, civil society organisations, private sector actors, financial institutions, farmer organisations, and industry associations. Partners bring their own networks, expertise, and resources to a shared mission. Visit our ‘’Our partners” page to learn more about our current partners.
Where does the Partnership work?
We work across four countries in East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. In Ethiopia, we focus on Central Ethiopia, Sidama, and South Ethiopia. In Kenya, we work across seven counties in Western Kenya. In Rwanda, we are active in six districts including Bugesera, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Rubavu, and Rutsiro. In Uganda, we work across 30 districts spanning Central, Eastern, Lango, and Western regions.
How does the Partnership create change?
We work through three interconnected pathways that we call Learn, Link, and Leverage. Through Learn, we generate practical, context-specific evidence on what works at the RA-PURE nexus. Through Link, we strengthen market systems, build coalitions, and connect farmers, agribusinesses, and energy providers. Through Leverage, we engage with policy processes and financing mechanisms to embed RA-PURE approaches into national, regional, and global systems for lasting change. These pathways reinforce each other: learning informs partnerships, partnerships unlock systems change, and systems change enables further learning and innovation.
Who is at the heart of the Partnership's work?
Smallholder farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises are at the centre of everything we do. Our work aims to ensure that the people who grow and process food have the tools, markets, financing, and support they need to build more resilient and regenerative livelihoods. Inclusion is not an add-on for us. We actively work to ensure women, youth, and marginalised groups can participate in and benefit from the transition to regenerative, energy-powered food systems.
How is SNV involved?
SNV coordinates the Power for Food Partnership. Rather than leading implementation directly, SNV plays a facilitative role, anchoring learning, supporting coordination, and helping connect efforts across partners, sectors, and countries. The goal is to help build a movement that is locally owned and driven by the partners themselves.
How is the Partnership funded?
The Power for Food Partnership is coordinated by SNV and supported by the IKEA Foundation.
How can I get involved?
Whether you are a farmer, investor, researcher, entrepreneur, civil society organisation, or policymaker, we are always looking to connect with people who share our vision for food systems that are renewable, regenerative, and resilient. Visit our “Join us” page to get in touch and find out how we can work together.