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DigiFarm Launches Jipange Cash Advance to Support Smallholder Tea Farmers
New Solution to Ease Cashflow Pressure
DigiFarm, Safaricom’s flagship Agritech platform, has launched Jipange Cash Advance, a new facility that helps smallholder tea farmers access funds before their factory payments arrive.
The product, developed in partnership with Access Bank and local tea factories, is designed to close short-term cashflow gaps that arise between harvesting and payout.
DigiFarm Launches Jipange Cash Advance to Support Smallholder Tea Farmers
Why the Product Matters
Tea remains the backbone of many Kenyan households. According to the Tea Board of Kenya, the sector supports nearly one million farmers, touches over 6.5 million lives, and contributes more than KES 200 billion to the national economy each year.
Despite this, many farmers still wait weeks or months for payments, leaving them unable to meet urgent household and farming needs.
“Our farmers work tirelessly every day, yet many still struggle because of delayed payments. Jipange Cash Advance offers peace of mind, helping farmers put food on the table, pay school fees, and plan for their families,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.
DigiFarm Launches Jipange Cash Advance to Support Smallholder Tea Farmers
How Jipange Cash Advance Works
The facility offers farmers instant access to funds via M-PESA. The loan amount depends on a farmer’s tea deliveries, and repayment is automatically deducted during the next factory payout.
This model removes the need for collateral, provides funds exactly when needed, and ensures transparent, secure repayment.
Early Impact and Expansion Plans
The pilot phase has already supported farmers from four factories in the Rift Valley. DigiFarm now aims to roll out the solution to all eligible tea farmers countrywide.
In addition, the platform plans to extend the product to dairy farmers through dairy cooperatives.
How Farmers Can Access the Facility
The cash advance is available to smallholder farmers whose factories or cooperatives partner with DigiFarm. Eligible farmers can access the facility instantly by dialing *944# and opting in.
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