General Questions
What is MkulimaSmart?
MkulimaSmart is a comprehensive digital platform designed for Kenyan farmers. We combine AI-powered crop and animal disease diagnosis, expert consultations, marketplace access, financial tools, weather forecasts, and community support - all in one place to help you farm smarter and increase your yields.
Is MkulimaSmart free to use?
Yes! We offer a generous free tier with access to crop tracking, basic AI diagnosis, weather updates, community forums, and marketplace browsing. Premium plans start at KES 500/month for advanced features like expert consultations, detailed analytics, priority AI responses, and loan application assistance.
How is MkulimaSmart different from other farming apps?
We're built specifically for Kenyan farmers with local crops, diseases, weather patterns, and market prices. Our AI is trained on Kenyan agricultural data, we support M-Pesa payments, connect you with local experts, and provide county-specific recommendations.
Can I use MkulimaSmart without internet?
Currently, MkulimaSmart requires an internet connection for most features. However, we're developing offline capabilities for basic crop tracking and saved guides. We recommend using Safaricom data bundles for affordable access.
Getting Started
How do I create an account?
Click "Get Started" or "Sign Up" on our homepage. Fill in your name, email, phone number, county, and create a password. Verify your email address, complete your farm profile, and you're ready to go!
How do I add my farm and crops?
After logging in, go to Dashboard → Crops → Add Crop. Select your crop type, planting date, farm location, and expected harvest date. You can add multiple crops and track each one separately with task reminders and growth monitoring.
How do I add my livestock/animals?
Navigate to Animals → Add Animal. Select the animal type (cattle, goats, poultry, etc.), quantity, and any specific details. You can track health records, breeding schedules, milk/egg production, and vaccination dates.
Can I use MkulimaSmart on my phone?
Absolutely! Our platform is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and computers. Simply visit our website on any browser. Native Android and iOS apps are coming soon!
What information do I need to provide?
Basic registration requires your name, email, phone number, and county. To get the most out of the platform, we recommend adding your farm size, crops grown, and farming goals. Your data is always private and secure.
Features & Tools
How does the AI crop disease diagnosis work?
Upload a photo of your affected crop or describe the symptoms. Our AI (powered by advanced machine learning) analyzes the image and symptoms to identify potential diseases, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. You'll receive a detailed diagnosis with treatment recommendations, prevention tips, and when to seek expert help.
How accurate is the AI diagnosis?
Our AI achieves over 90% accuracy for common Kenyan crop diseases. However, AI diagnosis should be used as a guide. For serious or unclear cases, we recommend consulting with one of our certified agricultural experts or your local extension officer.
How do I sell produce on the marketplace?
Go to Marketplace → Create Listing. Add your product name, type (crop, animal, equipment), quantity, price per unit, county, and a description. Upload clear photos. Buyers can contact you directly or add items to their cart.
How do I connect with agricultural experts?
Visit the Experts section to browse verified agricultural specialists by county, specialization (crops, livestock, agribusiness), and experience. You can ask free questions or book paid consultations for in-depth advice.
How do I apply for agricultural loans?
Go to Insurance & Loans → Loan Board. Compare interest rates from AFC, Equity Bank, KCB, and Cooperative Bank. Click "Apply Now" to be directed to the lender's application page. For insurance, fill out the quote request form.
How does the AI assistant (chatbot) work?
Our AI assistant is available 24/7 to answer farming questions. Ask about crop management, pest control, livestock health, market prices, weather impacts, and more. The AI learns from thousands of farming resources and Kenyan agricultural data.
Account & Billing
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept M-Pesa, Airtel Money, bank transfers (Equity, KCB, Co-op), and debit/credit cards. All payments are processed securely through Paystack, a PCI-compliant payment gateway.
How do I upgrade to premium?
Go to Account Settings → Subscription. Choose your plan (Monthly: KES 500, Quarterly: KES 1,350, Annual: KES 5,000). Complete payment via M-Pesa or card. Premium features activate immediately.
Can I get a refund?
Yes! We offer a 7-day money-back guarantee for all premium subscriptions. If you're not satisfied, email support@mkulimasmart.com within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime from Account Settings → Subscription → Cancel. Your premium access continues until the end of your current billing period. You won't be charged again.
Farming Help
Which crops grow best in my county?
Use our AI Assistant or Climate section to get county-specific crop recommendations based on soil type, rainfall patterns, and temperature. You can also browse the Crops section to see detailed growing guides for each crop.
How do I know the current market prices?
Visit the Marketplace for live listings with current prices. The price ticker on the marketplace page shows real-time price ranges. You can also ask our AI Assistant for market trends.
What do I do if my crops are diseased?
Use our AI Diagnosis tool immediately - upload photos and describe symptoms. Follow the treatment recommendations. For serious outbreaks, book a consultation with an expert or contact your local agricultural extension officer.
How do I get weather forecasts for my farm?
Go to Climate & Weather. Set your county location to see current conditions, 24-hour forecasts, 7-day predictions, and farming recommendations based on weather patterns. Severe weather alerts are highlighted.
Can I track my farm income and expenses?
Yes! Use the Finance section to record all income (sales, produce) and expenses (seeds, fertilizer, labor). View profit/loss statements, monthly charts, category breakdowns, and generate PDF reports.
Technical Support
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Click "Sign In" → "Forgot Password". Enter your email address and we'll send you a password reset link. Click the link, create a new password (minimum 8 characters), and log in.
The app is loading slowly. What should I do?
Try these steps: 1) Check your internet connection 2) Clear your browser cache 3) Close other apps/tabs 4) Refresh the page 5) Try a different browser. If issues persist, contact support.
How do I report a bug or problem?
Email support@mkulimasmart.com with: 1) Description of the issue 2) Screenshots (if possible) 3) Steps to reproduce 4) Your device type and browser. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Can I change my email or phone number?
Yes! Go to Profile → Edit Profile. Update your email, phone, or other details. For email changes, you'll need to verify the new email address.
Security & Privacy
Is my data safe on MkulimaSmart?
Absolutely. We use SSL encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits. Your farm data, financial information, and personal details are protected. We never sell your data to third parties.
Who can see my farm information?
You control your privacy. Your farm details are private by default. You can choose to share publicly in the Community section, with experts during consultations, or with buyers on the Marketplace. You can adjust privacy settings anytime.
How do I delete my account?
Go to Profile → Settings → Delete Account. Your data will be permanently removed within 30 days. You can also email support@mkulimasmart.com to request account deletion. Any active subscriptions will be cancelled.
How do I report inappropriate content?
In the Community section, click the three dots (⋯) on any post or comment and select "Report". Choose a reason and submit. Our moderation team reviews all reports within 24 hours.
Is my payment information stored?
No. All payments are processed through Paystack (PCI-DSS compliant). We never store your full card details, M-Pesa PIN, or banking passwords on our servers.