The partnership between PricePally and the GSMA Innovation Fund has yielded significant positive impacts on the livelihoods of over 750 smallholder farmers across Nigeria. This climate-smart initiative tackles critical challenges faced by these farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production, contributing 98% of the nation’s food supply. The initiative addresses issues such as post-harvest losses, limited market access, and vulnerability to climate change, ultimately promoting a more predictable, profitable, and resilient agricultural sector.
PricePally, a food systems platform, leverages technology to connect farmers directly with consumers, businesses, and communities. It achieves this through digital aggregation, streamlined logistics, and structured market access. This direct connection eliminates intermediaries, ensuring farmers receive a fairer share of the profits and consumers benefit from fresher produce at competitive prices. The GSMA Innovation Fund, a key partner in this initiative, supports digital technology projects in emerging markets with a focus on driving inclusion, climate resilience, and socio-economic empowerment. Their support has been instrumental in scaling PricePally’s impact and reaching a wider network of farmers.
Before the intervention, smallholder farmers in Nigeria often experienced devastating post-harvest losses of up to 45% for perishable crops like tomatoes and vegetables. These losses were primarily attributed to inadequate access to finance and modern storage facilities. The climate-smart initiative has effectively addressed these challenges by providing farmers with comprehensive support, including training and sensitization on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). This crucial element empowers farmers with the knowledge and skills to optimize their farming practices and minimize losses.
The initiative also leverages technology to enhance efficiency and market access for the farmers. Digital onboarding facilitates traceable production, allowing consumers to know the origin of their food and fostering trust in the supply chain. Demand forecasting, another key benefit of digital integration, helps farmers anticipate market needs and adjust their production accordingly, further reducing the risk of losses due to oversupply or unmet demand. Access to zero-collateral loans through Trade Lenda, a fintech partner, has been a game-changer for the farmers, providing them with the necessary capital to invest in their farms and improve their operations. The provision of solar-powered cold storage units from Ecotutu, coupled with cooling packs and gel, ensures that produce remains fresh during transportation and reaches consumers in optimal condition, minimizing post-harvest losses and maximizing value for the farmers.
Beyond improving farming practices and market access, the initiative has also generated positive social impacts within the communities. It has created employment opportunities for women and youth, who participate as sorters, quality assessors, liaisons, and last-mile delivery agents. This involvement not only empowers these individuals economically but also strengthens the overall agricultural value chain by enhancing efficiency and creating a more inclusive system.
The results of this initiative are already evident. Post-harvest losses have been significantly reduced by nearly half, and the project has instilled confidence in smallholder farmers, demonstrating that farming can be a sustainable and profitable business rather than merely a means of survival. The combination of technology, data-driven insights, and strategic partnerships has created a more resilient ecosystem for farmers and the entire value chain. This model exemplifies the future of agriculture, where technology empowers farmers to thrive, attracts youth to the sector, and ensures that food reaches consumers reliably and affordably. This sustainable and inclusive approach promises to transform the agricultural landscape in Nigeria and serve as a model for other developing nations. The long-term benefits of this initiative extend beyond immediate economic gains to fostering food security, climate resilience, and socio-economic empowerment for communities across Nigeria.
