Joyce Onwuka
In a move poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s poultry industry, agritech company Afrimash has launched a USSD solution that enables farmers to verify the authenticity of day-old chicks before making a purchase — using just a basic mobile phone.
The new service, accessible via *349*791#, was developed with support from global non-profit organization ” Acumen”. It offers a practical and accessible tool for thousands of poultry farmers, especially those in rural areas, who have suffered for years from the circulation of adulterated and poor-quality chicks. The platform gives farmers the power to confirm that their chicks are sourced from certified hatcheries, potentially saving them from devastating financial losses caused by fake or sick birds.
Afrimash CEO Ayoade Oyedotun described the launch as a breakthrough moment for the agricultural sector. “Poultry farmers have endured enough losses due to counterfeit and substandard chicks. This USSD platform gives them control, confidence, and access to quality — all from the comfort of their phones,” he said.
In addition to verification, the platform allows users to place orders for high-quality chicks, track their purchases, compare prices, and access vaccination guides. Every order made through the platform qualifies for free nationwide shipping to any of Afrimash’s 80 pick-up centers across Nigeria — 35 of which are directly managed by the company. For farmers who prefer added convenience, home delivery options are also available at an additional cost.
Afrimash is also driving awareness through its newly launched Farmer Ambassador Program, encouraging individuals and agri-enthusiasts to spread the word about the USSD platform in their communities. Interested participants can register via email at chicksmart@afrimash.com. As part of the rollout, first-time users will receive ₦1,000 off their first purchase when they dial the code and use the referral tag ‘2025’.
According to Oyedotun, the innovation is part of Afrimash’s broader mission to digitize access to farm inputs and provide farmers with tools that enhance productivity. The company is also using mobile channels to deliver agricultural consultancy services and offers monthly webinars on poultry management and best practices.
With this initiative, Afrimash is not just selling chicks — it’s restoring trust, improving access, and reshaping the future of poultry farming in Nigeria.