myAgro: Helping Smallholder Farmers Thrive in West Africa
- yanabijoor
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
What is the Problem?
Smallholder farmers make up 80% of the world’s poorest people. They struggle with money issues because they earn most at harvest time, but have no cash for the planting season. Only 20% of women in West Africa have bank accounts, and just 6% get loans. Cash kept at home risks theft or spending on non-business-related things. Women farmers also lack access to good seeds, fertilizers, and training since subsidies often go to men or big farms. Only 3% of women get farming training. Cultural norms make it harder for women, who inherit less land and have family responsibilities, limiting their time and resources. These issues lead to low harvests, hunger, and perpetual poverty.
What is the myAgro Solution?
myAgro helps farmers save small amounts for seeds, fertilizers, and training using mobile phones. Farmers buy scratch cards, like phone airtime cards, and text codes to save money in their myAgro account. Since over 50% of farmers have phones, they can check balances anytime, and myAgro delivers supplies when they save enough. The organization provides quality seeds and fertilizers suited to local land, plus training on efficient farming. The program fits women’s needs, matching their small, irregular incomes from markets. This savings model helps farmers invest without loans or handouts.
What is its Impact to Date?
myAgro has transformed lives. In 2023, it helped 200,000 farmers in Mali and Senegal, with 60% being women, impacting over 1 million people. By 2024, it reached over 270,000 farmers, with 65% women, exceeding its 175,000 goal and expanding to Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire. Farmers grow 50-100% more food, earning $150–$300 extra yearly. For example, Awa Samake in Mali grew 15 peanut bags from a quarter hectare, up from 10 bags, and bought livestock. Women like Daba Ndiaye in Senegal built their own homes. Entrepreneurs earn commissions to support their families’ education and food needs. myAgro boosts harvests, income, and community strength.
Why is it Innovative?
myAgro’s approach is unique. It uses a familiar phone card system, making saving easy and trustworthy. Farmers use their own money, not loans, reducing stress and costs. The program meets women’s needs with flexible savings and options. Its simple model works anywhere with mobile phones, making it scalable.
What Needs to be Improved?
Reaching 1 million farmers by 2026 requires more funding and partnerships, especially in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire. Hiring women is hard due to cultural biases, so better recruitment strategies are needed. More programs can help women and address climate challenges. Tracking long-term effects, like nutrition or education, can improve programs. Adding climate-smart farming practices can protect against droughts.
Sources
Comments