DigiFarm: Registration, Benefits, Farmer Number, Master Agent, Loans, and More

Technological advancements are reshaping industries and transforming lives in today's digital age. Agriculture is no exception, as innovative solutions like DigiFarm by Safaricom empower small-scale farmers with digital tools and services to boost their productivity and income. DigiFarm, launched in 2017, has rapidly gained popularity and positively impacted over a million farmers across various Kenyan counties. This article will delve into the comprehensive features of DigiFarm, including its registration process, benefits, unique farmer identification numbers, involvement of Master Agents, loan opportunities, and more.

Key Takeaways

1. DigiFarm, an innovative platform by Safaricom, is revolutionizing agriculture through digital tools and services.
2. Farmers can quickly register on DigiFarm via USSD code *283# and receive a unique Farmer Number.
3. DigiFarm offers discounted inputs, learning resources, credit vouchers, and market access.
4. Master Agents provide farmers with services, inputs, and advice.
5. Mavuno loans empower farmers to access inputs at the start of the season and repay upon harvest.
6. Repayment flexibility, facilitation fees, and consequences of defaulting are vital aspects of DigiFarm's loan system.

What Is DigiFarm?

DigiFarm is Safaricom's revolutionary initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The platform is an integrated mobile hub, offering farmers access to various tailored services. These services encompass valuable information, financial support, and market connections, all delivered via digital channels.

DigiFarm Features

DigiFarm is more than just a digital platform; it's a comprehensive solution designed to uplift farmers. Through this platform, registered farmers gain access to a range of essential services:

Buy Inputs

DigiFarm collaborates with local Master Agents to provide farmers with discounted farm inputs, making them more accessible and affordable. These Master Agents are located in various counties nationwide, ensuring convenience for registered farmers.

Learn and Grow

Registered farmers can access valuable learning content on various livestock and crop farming topics. From improving yields through best practices to learning about the safe use of herbicides and pesticides, DigiFarm equips farmers with knowledge to maximize their productivity.

Access Loans

One of the standout features of DigiFarm is its value-chain-based loan, called Mavuno. This loan is tailored to specific crops and farm sizes, providing farmers with the necessary inputs at the beginning of the season. Repayment is flexible, allowing farmers to pay back gradually as they harvest and sell their produce.

Enter DigiSoko

DigiSoko, another service provided by DigiFarm, connects farmers to the market. This means farmers can sell their produce at competitive rates, ensuring that their hard work translates into financial success.

Manage Your Profile

Through the "My Profile" feature, farmers can view their details, including farms, value chains, loans, ongoing learning progress, and insurance options.

Registration and Unique Farmer Identification

Getting started with DigiFarm is easy. Farmers can register through a user-friendly process:

1. Dial *283# on your mobile phone.
2. Select "Register" from the menu.
3. Enter your ID number and confirm.
4. Choose your ward and value chain.
5. Confirm your information and receive a confirmation SMS.

You can also register using the DigiFarm app. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit the Google Play Store and download the DigiFarm app.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the registration process, providing your ID number, county, sub-county, ward, value chain(s), and farm size.
3. Once registered, you will receive an SMS confirming your registration and your unique DigiFarm Farmer Number.

Upon successful registration, you will receive your unique DigiFarm Farmer Number. This number serves as your identification within the platform, connecting you to a range of benefits and services.

Applying for a DigiFarm Loan

Applying for a loan through DigiFarm is a straightforward process:

1. Access the DigiFarm app or dial *944#.
2. Select the "Loans" option.
3. Choose "Apply for loan" and follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Upon approval, you'll receive a loan voucher code.
5. Visit a DigiFarm Master Agent within 60 days to redeem and collect your inputs.

Master Agents and Convenient Services

DigiFarm Master Agents play a pivotal role in delivering services to farmers. They act as local distributors, providing access to inputs, agronomy advice, and yield aggregation. Farmers can visit these agents to purchase inputs at discounted rates and access vital information.

Understanding Farmer Numbers and Contracted Farmers

Upon registering, each farmer receives a unique DigiFarm Farmer Number. This identification number is a gateway to accessing input loans and other platform services. Contracted farmers collaborate with DigiFarm to cultivate specific value chains linked to buyers or markets. This partnership includes credit facilities, quality inputs, and training on best practices.

Loan Opportunities and Financial Empowerment

DigiFarm's loan offerings empower farmers to enhance their operations:

• Mavuno Loan: A value-chain-based loan tied to specific crops and land size.
• Loan Benefits: Access farming inputs at the start of the season, repay upon harvest.
• Insurance: Bundled with the loan, covers yield-impacting natural calamities and other risks.
• Loan Application: Apply through the DigiFarm app or USSD code *944#, and repay via mobile money.

Repaying Loans and Consequences of Defaulting

Repaying loans is crucial for maintaining good credit and future access to funding:

• Flexible Repayment: Repay gradually throughout the season via M-PESA.
• Facilitation Fee: A fee of 1.83% per month is added to the loan amount.
• Consequences of Default: Late fees, lower future loan limits, and blacklisting with DigiFarm and Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).

Empowering Farmers Through Technology

DigiFarm's ultimate goal is to uplift farmers' livelihoods by providing holistic support:

• Farm Profiling: Soil-based crop recommendations, reducing guesswork.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with FarmDrive and iProcure for credit scoring and input supply.
• Market Access: Upcoming feature to enable direct ordering of produce by consumers.

READ ALSO: How to Join DigiFarm and Apply for a Loan

Conclusion

DigiFarm stands as a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers in Kenya, offering them a path to increased productivity, profitability, and financial empowerment. Through its user-friendly registration process, access to valuable information, input loans, and partnerships with Master Agents, DigiFarm has reshaped the agricultural landscape. As technology continues to transform various industries, DigiFarm's commitment to helping farmers succeed remains steadfast. By adhering to its principles of expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, DigiFarm exemplifies the future of farming, where digital tools drive progress, prosperity, and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register for DigiFarm? To register, dial *283# on your mobile phone, follow the prompts, and receive a confirmation SMS with your unique Farmer Number.
2. What benefits does DigiFarm offer to farmers? DigiFarm offers discounted inputs, learning resources, credit vouchers, market access, and detailed farmer profiles.
3. How can I apply for a loan on DigiFarm? Apply for a loan through the DigiFarm app or USSD code *944#. After approval, receive a loan voucher code to redeem at a DigiFarm Master Agent.
4. What is a DigiFarm Master Agent? A DigiFarm Master Agent is a local distributor providing inputs, agronomy advice, and aggregation services to farmers.
5. What are the consequences of defaulting on a DigiFarm loan? Defaulting may lead to late fees, lower future loan limits, and blacklisting with DigiFarm and the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
6. How does DigiFarm contribute to farmers' financial empowerment? DigiFarm provides input loans, access to credit, and market connections, enhancing farmers' productivity, profitability, and overall income.