International Conference on Innovative Agricultural Financing

28-29 April 2015

Discussion theme: Farmers Financial Literacy Programmes – pathway to streamline lending process

By Saleh Usman

AFRACA’S MAIN DOMAIN OF INTERVENTION

Why AFRACA cares for Rural and Agricultural Finance Agriculture accounts for 70% labour force and between 25% -

70% GDP in most of the Sub-Saharan countries. But is only financed by 3% of countries budgets. High input prices, inadequate credit financing options leads to

low investment in agriculture. Africa’s food supply continues to depend on smallholder

farmers but lack of financial services confines their efforts to productivity enhanced investments.

Access to finance is key to unlocking agricultural potential and funding growth in this sector.

Low levels of financial literacy and capacity by smallholder farmers, agribusinesses banks, has been key to lack of access to finance.

Financial Literacy in the Value Chain

Rationale for Financial Literacy

Farmers Financial Institutions

Sources and uses of farming income

How agri-value chains develop

Why and how to save Understand financial needs of farmers

Record keeping and budgeting Develop suitable products / services to fit needs

Types of financial services, how to use, how to access

Agri –loans portfolio management

Other technical sevices – production, markets, PHL,

Understanding contractual agreements i.e farmer-buyer-FI agreements

Financial Literacy Initiatives – KMP Received funding of USD 500,000 from AGRA to train and link

8,000 farmers, 180 SMEs, 400 FO Representatives, 100 women entrepreneurs to formal financial institutions and 160 FI staff trained on lending to farmers.

Pilot initiative is in Kenya and Tanzania for two years (2013 – 2015).

Topics covered include:• Savings – importance, options/products, matching savings goal

vs products offered.• Budgeting – steps, ways to improve money management,• Loan Management – reasons for borrowing, steps, risks, equity

vs debt, factors to consider, interest calculation.• Use of ICT to access financial services from FIs.

Key Lessons Learnt

• Choose a sustainable methodology (one-on-one, TOTs, study guides etc)

• Develop/adapt a relevant curriculum• Financial literacy is a life changing initiative for

farmers in planning for farm income.• Women beneficiaries of the training have new

drive and stronger demand for further training; they have become enthusiastic to discuss and promote gender equity.

Key Lessons Learnt Cont…

• Improved gender relations• Initiatives creates a platform

where FIs are able to share experience and innovative ideas on lending to smallholders

• Contextual differences in countries of implementation

• Engage government to enhancing impact (e.g. Central banks championing FL and Consumer Protection)

Way Forward??

• Explore partnerships with web-based platforms like MaishaEdu – for material targeting staff FIs & youth.

• Balance innovations for both farmers and FIs.• Continuous review of curricula for financial

education targeting farmers and FIs.• Gender targeted initiatives – having women

trained guarantees improved livelihoods of community.

• Increase lending and support services to agriculture sector .

Other Initiatives….. A lot has been done in this field by other partners such as

Equity Bank Ltd, MicroSave, FSD, SCC, Opportunity Bank, At the global level players can borrow ideas or adapt

approaches that are being used elsewhere such as by the:

a) International Network on Financial Education www.financial-education.org

b) Yearly conference: www.FinancialEducationSummit.org

c) Global Training Program: www.GlobalFinancialEd.org

d) Financial Education Fund (FEF) - FEF is a new fund which will support innovative projects in Africa that improve financial capability: www.genesis-analytics.com

Thank you

Our contact detailsAFRACA Secretariat, Kenya School of Monetary

Studies (KSMS)

Noordin Road, Off Thika Super Highway,

P O Box 41378, 00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 2717911/ 2715991; +254 717 698394

Fax: +254 20 2710082

Email: afraca@africaonline.co.ke

Website: www.afraca.org