Nairobi, Jan. 5 -- Farmers across the country are increasingly seeking financial support directly from their customers, friends, and family members to fund their agricultural activities, bypassing commercial banks, Saccos, and government-backed financial schemes like the Hustler Fund.

According to a latest survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) for November, many farmers are turning to informal credit sources, pointing to a dramatic shift in borrowing patterns.

The survey revealed that 18 percent of farmers in November opted for loans from buyers of their produce, such as milk and coffee.

This marks a sharp rise from zero percent in September, indicating a growing reliance on customer-based credit.

"Borrowing from friends and famil...