27 Nov Transforming Agriculture: The Impact of Cashless Value Distribution with eVoucher
October 2024 | Watch on YouTube
The Kenya National Cereal and Produce Board recently showcased the remarkable success of the eSubsidy project during this year’s Agricultural Society Show. At the heart of this transformation is the eVoucher solution, which has revolutionised fertiliser distribution through a cashless system, empowering farmers across Kenya to increase their yields and reduce costs.
Achievements of the eSubsidy Programme (2022–2024)
The eVoucher initiative has delivered exceptional results, dramatically improving agricultural productivity and efficiency over the past two years.
- 23% Drop in the Cost of Maise Flour:
The programme has reduced the average price of a 2kg packet of maise flour from Ksh 169.9 in 2022 to Ksh 130.38 in 2024, saving consumers an average of Ksh 39.5 per packet. - 514% Increase in Fertiliser Distribution:
The number of fertiliser bags disbursed to farmers rose from 1.4 million in 2022 to 8.6 million in 2024—an increase of 7.2 million bags. - 38.9% Increase in Maise Production:
Farmers produced an additional 24 million 50kg bags of maise, raising total production from 61.74 million bags in 2022 to 85.7 million bags in 2023. - 33.7% Reduction in Maise Imports:
Increased domestic production has reduced maise imports by 10.8 million 50kg bags, from 32.04 million in 2022 to 21.24 million in 2023. - 58% Reduction in Fertiliser Costs:
Fertiliser prices fell from Ksh 6,000 per bag in 2022 to Ksh 2,500 in 2024, making it more affordable for farmers.
Farmer Success Stories: A Glimpse into the Impact
During a visit to Narok in September, Christine Muthinja, a representative of the eVoucher team, encountered inspiring stories of farmers reaping the program’s benefits.
One farmer shared his remarkable achievement:
“I used to harvest 16,000 bags of maise per season. This season, I’ve harvested 46,000 bags.”
This dramatic increase underscores the transformative potential of the eVoucher system in boosting yields and securing livelihoods.
Driving Agricultural Transformation
The eVoucher solution has facilitated cashless distribution and significantly lowered the cost of agricultural inputs, empowered farmers to produce more, and reduced reliance on imports. These outcomes are a testament to the program’s role in improving food security, stabilising market prices, and fostering economic resilience in Kenya’s agriculture sector.
Looking Ahead
The success of the eVoucher solution is a powerful example of how digital innovation can drive sustainable growth. The program continues to build a foundation for a prosperous agricultural future in Kenya by empowering farmers, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity.
