A loan helped pay smallholder farmers in the Andes 100% more than market price for their products.


Kiwa Life's story

Problem
Geographically excluded farmers do not have access to fair trade prices and must go through an intermediary. Intermediaries are the only buyer of their goods, which can lead to extremely low prices for quality products. This situation is especially true for farmers who work deep in the Andes, harvesting native potatoes and other varieties of vegetables.

Solution
Kiwa provides a stable market at pre-determined prices, technical assistance, quality seeds, and financing through a partnership with Inter-American Development Bank. Kiwa then uses these unique raw materials and makes a delicious snack. Kiwa supports these farmers tremendously, by giving at least 100% more than the market price for all the varieties of vegetables it buys. Stable prices help farmers financially plan their year and save for an emergency, realize improvements to their home, pay studies for their children etc.

Loan Use and Impact
Funds will be used to fulfill the payments to our low-income farmers and secure raw materials supply to make our chips. Usually, low-income farmers in Latin America tend to specialize in commodities getting a lower price but immediate payment from intermediaries. By paying our farmers on time, we will be able to retain their loyalty and keep providing support, technical assistance, seeds and increase the social impact to other small farmers.


This loan is special because:

it empowers geographically and financially excluded farmers in the rural Andes Mountains.



Loan details


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details