Farmer First
We work alongside smallholder farmers across Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma and Siaya, from soil testing before planting to payment after harvest. Our extension officers visit farmers, and our mobile app keeps every plot, input credit and payment on record.
Contact UsThe farming season, with us
Before planting
Soil analysis on the farmer's plot, seedling recommendations for that plot, and input credit for the season.
During the season
Regular field visits and phone calls, climate and weather advice by SMS in local languages, and help with disease control.
Projecting the harvest
We help the farmer estimate the expected output, so both sides can plan the sale.
At harvest
Produce is weighed and recorded against the plot, and the farmer is paid by M-Pesa on harvest receipt.
Support across the season
From soil testing before planting to payment after harvest, our extension officers and our app are with the farmer at each stage.
01
Before planting
Soil analysis on the plot, seedling advice and input credit for the season.
02
During the season
Field visits, phone calls, and weather and disease advice by SMS in local languages.
03
Projecting the harvest
Yield estimates, so the farmer and the buyer can plan the sale.
04
At harvest
Produce is weighed and recorded against the plot, and paid by M-Pesa.
How we work with farmers
Fair pricing and contract security
Every farmer we buy from knows the price before planting.
- check_circleWritten contracts, with the price agreed before planting.
- check_circleShared upside on the crops we buy, and on the biochar we return to the farm.
- check_circlePayment by M-Pesa on harvest receipt.
Input credit
Seed and inputs when the season needs them, repaid at harvest.
- check_circleSeasonal input credit, tied to each farmer's verified plots.
- check_circleCredit is repaid at harvest, through M-Pesa.
Biochar and animal feed for farmers
Crop residue goes back to the soil it came from.
- check_circleOur kiln turns processing residue into biochar, which goes back to the soil the crops came from.
- check_circleWe sell biochar and animal feed to farmers. Prices on the shop page.
Advice from planting to harvest
Our extension officers work with each farmer through the season.
- check_circleSoil analysis before planting.
- check_circleSeedling recommendations for the plot.
- check_circleRegular field visits and phone calls.
- check_circleClimate and weather advice by SMS, in local languages, covering planting, pests, disease and harvest timing.
- check_circleDisease control advice during the season.
- check_circleYield projections, so the farmer can plan the sale.
The Agri-Sankofa app puts every plot, payment and advice on the farmer's phone
Farmers and extension officers use the app together. It works offline in the field and syncs when the phone reconnects.
View Our AppFor farmers
- check_circlePlot viewer: each farmer sees their mapped plots, crop health and acreage.
- check_circleInput credit marketplace: order certified seeds, bio-pesticides and enriched biochar against the coming harvest.
- check_circleM-Pesa ledger: gross deliveries, credit deductions and net payouts in one statement.
- check_circleClimate advisory: daily plot-specific rainfall and temperature warnings, and harvesting alerts.
- check_circleOffline video academy: farming lessons that work without a signal, being tested with farmers now.
- check_circleSMS for farmers without smartphones.
For extension officers
- check_circleGPS plot onboarding: each plot's boundary is mapped on the phone and given its own ID.
- check_circleBluetooth soil testing: soil readings (pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon) are saved to the farmer's profile, with a biochar dosing recommendation for the plot.
- check_circleAI pest and disease diagnostics: a leaf-photo check for the field, being tested with our extension officers now.
- check_circleQR lot tags: each batch is tagged at the farm gate, so it can be traced back to the plots it came from.
Built with the farmers who grow what we process.
Nick Balongo leads our farmer work. Agri-Sankofa has been registered since June 2022, and our extension officers are in the field with farmers every season.
Work with us
If you are a farmer in our area, or a partner who wants to support farmers, get in touch with our team.
Contact Us