Digital System Launched to Support 30,000 Small-Scale Dairy Farmers
Heifer International Kenya, Mastercard, KCB Foundation, and KCB Bank Kenya partner to provide financial services, formal markets, and affordable credit.
Heifer International Kenya, Mastercard, KCB Foundation, and KCB Bank Kenya partner to provide financial services, formal markets, and affordable credit.
· Updated
A new digital program aims to assist 30,000 small-scale dairy farmers across Kenya by helping them access financial services, formal markets, and affordable credit through verifiable transaction records. The Farmer Visibility Project, launched by Heifer International Kenya in partnership with Mastercard, KCB Foundation, and KCB Bank Kenya, addresses long-term challenges such as cash-based transactions, poor record-keeping, and difficulty accessing finance.
Heifer International Kenya Director Wairimu Munyinyi-Wahome stated that the nine-month pilot project seeks to enhance financial inclusion by digitizing milk deliveries, payments, savings, and input purchases. Many dairy farmers currently rely on informal transactions, making it hard to demonstrate financial history needed for credit.
Under the project, farmers and cooperatives will receive training on digital technology and financial literacy, and assistance in opening bank accounts and using digital payment systems. Mastercard will provide its Farm Pass technology via the Community Pass platform to create digital farmer profiles, track transactions, and strengthen value chain linkages.
KCB Foundation will manage farmer mobilization, cooperative strengthening, capacity building, and financial education, while KCB Bank Kenya will facilitate account openings, digital payment services, and card issuance. The initiative aims to transform milk payment systems, strengthen cooperatives, and expand digital financial services in Kenya's dairy sector.
FAQ
Which organizations are involved in the Farmer Visibility Project?
Heifer International Kenya, Mastercard, KCB Foundation, and KCB Bank Kenya are implementing the project.
What technology will be used to support the farmers?
Mastercard's Farm Pass technology will be deployed through the Community Pass platform to create digital profiles and track transactions.