1,000 Embu Farmers to Access Digital Credits, Loans

Following a deal between the Family Bank and DigiFarm, 1,000 smallholder maize farmers in Embu County would have access to digital credits for farm inputs and insurance.

Farmers will be able to electronically borrow money thanks to the program, which will be implemented in the Mbeere North and South sub-counties.

Then, with a maximum acreage of two acres, they will obtain financing based on the size of the acreage and the crop cycle.

Farmers will also gain from insurance solutions and receive financial literacy, market linkage, and sustainable agriculture practices training.

“Despite the high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and market inefficiencies, farmers continue to face a lack of access to efficient and convenient funding to buy essential farming products,” said Family Bank Lead Digital Transformation Aristarichus Kuria.

“However, technology adoption and such multisector partnerships are increasing financial inclusion, especially for smallholder farmers,” Kuria added.

As part of the agreement, enrolled farmers will also be able to use credit vouchers at the county’s partner agrovets of DigiFarm to purchase agricultural inputs.

Director of DigiFarm Seema Gohil promised to use technology to change agriculture in the region.

“Through our platform, farmers are able to access a full range of services to drive production improvements,“ Gohil said.

“They receive agronomy advice, credit for inputs, insurance and other services and can then connect with buyers during harvest. We are committed to transforming the agriculture sector through technology.“