Eglyne Chepchirchir Choge of Pembeni Farms in Trans-Nzoia County has significantly expanded her farming operations thanks to a loan from Equity.
Starting with a small-scale venture, Eglyne has grown her farm to encompass 400 acres of land, cultivating 200 acres of maize, rearing 120 dairy and beef cattle, and raising hundreds of poultry. She has also ventured into horticulture, specifically cabbage farming, and has invested in irrigation infrastructure, including a dam for water storage.
Equity Bank has played a pivotal role in Eglyne’s success, providing financing for land acquisition, equipment, and operating expenses. With the bank’s support, Eglyne has upgraded her tractor, installed solar power, and built an additional dam for irrigation.
“Equity’s support has been instrumental in my growth,” Eglyne said. “From a small loan of Ksh60,000, I have been able to access millions. My experience with the bank has been exceptional since 2015, helping me transition from small-scale to large-scale farming.”.”
“I decided to upgrade my tractor after visiting Sasumua Agriculture Model Farm during a Farmer Exchange Program in Laikipia, where the bank facilitated a learning experience on improved farming practices,” Eglyne said.
Rift Valley Regional General Manager Stanley Ng’ang’a highlighted the bank’s commitment to agriculture saying, “Today, we deliver a Case 125 tractor, advancing agro-mechanization to improve productivity, conserve moisture, and save fuel, which translates to increased profits.”
“We’ve supported Eglyne’s farming acreage and diversification to horticulture while linking her to market partners. We’ve also financed a 700m³ water pan which is in line with our Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, where food and agriculture is a key focus.”
“We train farmers through modern farming techniques and expose them to model farms. We support them in moving away from rain-fed agriculture by empowering them with boreholes and water pans, and we provide insurance to mitigate risks,” Stanley added.
Michael Chege, Branch Growth and Development Manager at the Kitale Branch, noted, “We’ve helped Eglyne transition from micro-loans to commercial loans, unlocking financial cash flow and facilitating the acquisition of machinery and inputs. Her participation in our farmer exchange program has greatly enhanced her skills and farming practices.”
Equity is also leading the way in clean energy solutions, offering solar installations for water pumping and financing biogas for dairy farmers. These initiatives contribute to sustainable agriculture and reduce operating costs for farmers.
Equity Bank’s Catalytic Plan to Enhance Agriculture Resilience in Africa
