To increase sustainable access, uptake and utilization of quality agro-inputs among smallholder farmers in Kagera and Kigoma, and strengthening the VBA model through training and business model innovation.

1. To conduct field research in Kigoma & Kagera to understand current challenges
2. To leverage technology to strengthen the agro-dealer & VBA (Village Bases Advisors) network
3. To build capacity for 2,000 VBAs & enable them grow their agribusinesses

1. 4,608 farmers in 720 groups access the digital technology (50% female)
2. 120 VB Agro-dealers enlisted to the digital platform
3. 30 agro-dealers & 200 VBAs are linked to a formal financial institution

1. FARMERS
• High cost of quality inputs (aggregation allows us to negotiate for better pricing)
• A shortage of inputs when they are needed (capital constraints limit stocking ability of agro-dealers)
• Burden of bulk payment at the start of the season
• Farmers in Kigoma and Kagera lack access to finance for the purchase of quality inputs
2. VBAs and AGRO-DEALERS

In the absence of revenue generation for the VBAs, the current model was not sustainable

• VBA efficiency is low
• VBAs are not earning income for their work; engagement & motivation is low;
• VBAs are not able to transition to agro-dealers because of lack of capital, knowledge and entrepreneurial skills

VB Agro-Dealers are cash-constrained, not able to meet the demand during the start of the season.

PHASE 1: A digital ecosystem for mobilization of savings, and aggregation and delivery of quality inputs to farmers

This involved the following processes:

1. Registration of Groups & farmers in order to be able to aggregate demand and registration of VBAs and Agro-dealers as anchors of the ecosystem
2. Savings. This was done by open group accounts at TCB, issue farmers with e-wallets for locked savings for inputs purchase.
3. Inputs ordering and delivery. Through USSD, Farmer/Group/VBA can order. Savings act as a guarantee for input supplies, payments made by TCB directly to the input supplier
4. Capacity building for VBAs. Live interactive radio programming on Kwizera and Karagwe for financial literacy and business skills – recordings will be re-distributed via smaller learning / digital groups

PHASE 2: Incorporate VBAs & agro-dealers to the digital ecosystem and increase access to financial services

This was done through

1. Strengthening the VBA/ agro-dealer network
• VBA/ Agro-dealer linkages
• Perfecting the VBA/ agro-dealer commission model
• Financial services linkages
• Creation of autonomous VBA groups
2. Increasing farmer participation on the digital layaway platform
• Increase the number of farmers accessing the digital layaway
• Group account opening and e-wallets
3. Inputs ordering and delivery. Through USSD, Farmer/Group/VBA can order. Savings act as a guarantee for input supplies, payments made by TCB directly to the input supplier
4. Capacity building for VBAs. Live interactive radio programming on Kwizera and Karagwe for financial literacy and business skills – recordings will be re-distributed via smaller learning / digital groups