Smallholder farms play a crucial role in feeding Africa, yet many farmers struggle to reach their full production potential due to financial barriers, limited access to resources, and challenges in connecting with markets. An agriculture technology company based in Ghana has been working to change this by providing smallholder farmers with the necessary tools to increase yields, secure fair market prices, and build long-term wealth.
Expanding Support Beyond Information
Initially focused on providing smallholder farmers in Ghana with agricultural information via audio messages, the company quickly recognized that farmers needed more than just knowledge they required direct support. Many farmers lack access to financial services, making it difficult for them to purchase necessary inputs such as fertilizer and high-quality seeds.
For instance, a farmer growing maize may need five bags of fertilizer per acre but can only afford three, leading to lower yields. To address this, the company bulk-purchases high-quality inputs and offers them to farmers at affordable prices. Payments can be made over the growing season, allowing farmers to use the correct amount of resources without financial strain. By removing these economic barriers, farmers can maximize production, increase their incomes, and improve food security.
Beyond providing inputs, the company helps farmers access broader markets. It has built partnerships with organizations, businesses, and governments worldwide, creating a network of commodity buyers. Farmers are not required to sell their crops to the company, but if they choose to, they are guaranteed fair market prices. The company then exports the produce to international buyers, helping smallholder farmers secure reliable and profitable sales channels.
A Technology-Driven Approach
Technology plays a key role in connecting farmers with essential information and services. Through an advanced digital platform, the company has expanded its agricultural advisory services to 50 countries by working with thousands of local businesses, governments, and industry leaders. The platform delivers audio messages covering topics such as weather alerts, financial literacy, climate-smart farming techniques, and soil conservation. These messages are available in 27 languages, ensuring accessibility for farmers regardless of literacy levels.
One of the platform’s innovative features is its ability to assess farmers’ creditworthiness. Traditional banks are often reluctant to offer loans to smallholder farmers, but the platform uses an alternative credit scoring system. By evaluating farmers based on their history, potential, and market trends, the system enables farmers to access financing for seeds, fertilizer, and other essential resources.
Additionally, the platform plays a crucial role in supply chain transparency. It tracks commodities from farm to market, ensuring compliance with international regulations. For example, new regulations in the European Union require that specific agricultural products, such as cocoa and coffee, cannot come from deforested land. The digital platform helps trace these commodities, providing verification for buyers and regulatory bodies.
Overcoming Barriers and Expanding Reach
Despite its success, the initiative faces challenges, particularly in overcoming language barriers and limited internet connectivity in rural areas. To address this, the company uses a voice-based system rather than a text-based one and offers messages in multiple languages. Additionally, by making information available offline, it ensures that farmers in remote locations can still benefit from the services.
Another significant challenge is earning the trust of farmers, many of whom have been underserved or exploited in the past. Building credibility required extensive fieldwork and direct engagement. Teams regularly visit farming communities to provide in-person support, explain the benefits of the platform, and help farmers integrate new technologies into their agricultural practices.
Transforming Farmer Livelihoods
The impact of this initiative is evident in farmers’ success stories. One maize farmer in Ghana struggled with low yields due to poor-quality seeds and limited access to fertilizer. After receiving high-quality inputs and advisory support, her maize yield increased by 40% in just one season. This type of transformation is becoming increasingly common as more farmers gain access to essential resources and market opportunities.
To date, the company has supported 2.2 million farmers across 50 countries, with one million actively using the digital platform for agricultural insights. By continuing to expand its reach, improve access to financial services, and strengthen market connections, the initiative is helping smallholder farmers move from subsistence farming to profitable, sustainable agriculture.
