Winich Farms, a Nigerian agritech company, is positioning itself to become a leader in traceability and agricultural supply chain efficiency in Africa in the foreseeable future.
The concept of traceability in the agricultural sector involves the capacity to monitor and track the journey of agricultural products throughout the entire supply chain, from production to the final consumer.
Established in 2020 by co-founders Riches Attai, Chichebem Jibunoh, and Winner Attai, Winich Farms is an innovative agritech platform that aims to tackle the prevalent challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The startup proclaims that it offers vital market access and financial empowerment to farmers. It operates at the intersection of agritech, embedded finance, and financial inclusion, providing a comprehensive solution to the farmers’ needs.
Winich Farms has developed a digital marketplace that facilitates direct connections between farmers and buyers, such as factories and retail businesses. This strategic approach is designed to bypass traditional intermediaries, thereby ensuring that farmers receive a more equitable compensation for their products.
The company identifies a critical issue that affects much of the African continent: In Nigeria alone, there are approximately 38 million smallholder farmers, who constitute around 20% of the population and are responsible for producing 90% of the nation’s food supply. However, a staggering 72% of these farmers live below the poverty line. This is attributed to several factors, including limited access to market information, inadequate credit facilities, and the high costs associated with farming inputs.
Winich Farms had the opportunity to present its innovative solutions at the GITEX Africa 2024 event.
The company reports that its platform has garnered over 80,000 users, which includes a diverse group of smallholder farmers, agents, truck drivers, and buyers. The platform is operational across 25 states in Nigeria and has facilitated the movement of almost $30 million worth of agricultural produce in the previous year.