Here we can see population pyramids for the world, showing a widening youth base, especially in developing countries. It demonstrates the overall increase in the number of young people on the planet. These are people who are currently being fed by a comparatively smaller and aging population of farmers. There are considerably more young people than old, so the already small proportion of farmers (who on average are 60 years and older) will need to pass on their skills and livelihoods to younger persons.

Yesterday, Farm Credibly led a workshop for the current cohort of Branson Centre entreprenurs. 

After representing my team at this regional agro-tourism workshop which was excellently organised & facilitated by IICA - Barbados team I must say I no longer consider myself as only a Jamaican ambassador. I am now also a Caribbean ambassador. Being part of this diverse & deeply cultural experience has reminded me of how much we need each other and that working closer together will enable greater successes for each island as well as the region.

Blockchain Releases Farmers from the Collateral Trap

By Busani Bafana

A Jamaican start-up has an innovative solution to help smallholder farmers—many of whom do not have the collateral demanded by financial institutions to access loans—build a track record of their production that is proving better than collateral.

How it Works

Farm Credibly simplifies financial services for underbanked farmers who are productive but want to be more productive. We bring together multiple entities within farmers’ business network on behalf of farmers. By getting data from suppliers and distributors, a trusted and secure farmer profile is established. FarmCredibly empowers creditors with the means to reduce risk in issuing loans and insurance to unbanked farmers by leveraging Blockchain technology to provide alternative credit scoring.

It’s Farm Credibly’s first farm visit and our team is excited! We head to Manchester to visit a farm that’s operated by 2 brothers, the area is in the south of the parish and there is a wind farm close by. 

After a 2 1/2 hr drive, we’re happy to approach our destination. We know we’re close as this is indicated by the small cluster of men on the side of the street ever so often the further inland we go. Oh look! Its the turning of 20ft tall wind harvesting machines.