FarmerCoopHub – Connecting Farmers, Cooperatives and Markets

FarmerCoopHub is a digital platform designed to transform rural farming in Kenya by bridging the gap between smallholder farmers, cooperatives, markets, and service providers. The app provides a one-stop solution for farmers to access critical services such as inputs, financing, extension support, and real-time market information. By digitizing cooperative operations and strengthening the agricultural value chain, FarmerCoopHub enables farmers to become more productive, more resilient, and more profitable.

Developed by the Cooperative University of Kenya (CUK) and supported under the Kenya Rural Transformation Centres Project (KRTCDP), with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the platform is focused on empowering farmers in key agricultural regions of Kenya including Nakuru, Narok, Baringo, and Nyandarua counties. It primarily supports smallholders engaged in maize, dairy, and potato farming, though the system is scalable to other value chains and counties across the country.

Comprehensive Features for Farmers and Cooperatives

1. Direct Market Access
FarmerCoopHub connects farmers directly to markets by providing up-to-date price information and facilitating linkages with buyers. This reduces dependence on brokers, ensuring farmers receive fair and transparent prices for their produce.

2. Access to Cooperative Services
Through the app, cooperatives can digitize their operations and extend services more efficiently. Farmers can access quality inputs, extension services, financial products, and training opportunities, all in one place.

3. Transparent Digital Payments
Payments between farmers and cooperatives are streamlined, secure, and transparent. By bypassing intermediaries, FarmerCoopHub ensures that farmers receive their payments on time and in full.

4. Weather Forecasts and Advisory Services
The platform delivers timely weather forecasts and agricultural advisory information. Farmers can plan planting, harvesting, and storage activities more effectively, helping reduce risks and minimize post-harvest losses.

5. Centralized Data and Records
FarmerCoopHub simplifies recordkeeping by centralizing data for both farmers and cooperatives. From procurement and production records to financial transactions and service delivery, the platform makes it easier to plan, monitor, and make evidence-based decisions.

6. Resource Distribution and Logistics
The app also supports efficient resource distribution, making it easier for cooperatives to manage inputs and coordinate delivery to farmers.

Benefits of Using FarmerCoopHub

Fair Pricing and Market Access: Farmers gain reliable information and connections that ensure they sell their produce at competitive prices.

Reduced Post-Harvest Losses: With timely weather data, advisory services, and better market coordination, losses after harvest are minimized.

Financial Inclusion: Farmers can access financing options directly through cooperatives and linked financial institutions.

Stronger Cooperative Management: By digitizing processes, cooperatives operate more efficiently, improve accountability, and serve their members better.

Empowered Farmers: With access to information, services, and direct payments, smallholder farmers are empowered to grow their incomes and strengthen their livelihoods.

Data-Driven Agriculture: Centralized data helps cooperatives, farmers, and policymakers make smarter choices that benefit the entire value chain.

Target Users

FarmerCoopHub is built for:

Smallholder farmers in rural Kenya, especially those growing maize, rearing dairy cattle, or producing potatoes.

Agricultural cooperatives seeking to modernize operations and better serve their members.

Extension workers, input suppliers, and financial institutions supporting farmers.

Development partners and policymakers interested in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural transformation.