Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

FarmConnect SL ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our agricultural marketplace platform.

By using FarmConnect SL, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

For All Users:

• Name (first and last name)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Password (encrypted)
• User type (Farmer, Buyer, or Community Agent)

For Farmers:

• Farm name and location (district, village/town)
• Farm size and experience
• Product listings (descriptions, photos, prices)
• GPS coordinates (optional)
• Profile photo

For Community Agents:

• National ID number and images (front and back)
• Organization affiliation
• Coverage area
• Commission rate

For Buyers:

• Buyer type (individual, restaurant, wholesaler, etc.)
• Business name (if applicable)
• Location preferences

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website
• Date and time of access

2.3 Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze platform usage
• Improve user experience

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide Services: Create and manage your account, display your listings, facilitate connections
• Communication: Send verification emails, notifications, and platform updates
• Security: Verify identity (especially for community agents), prevent fraud and abuse
• Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve the platform
• Compliance: Meet legal obligations and enforce our Terms
• Support: Respond to inquiries and provide customer service

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Public Information

The following information is visible to other users:

• Farmers: Name, farm location (district/village), products, profile photo, ratings
• Buyers: Name (when inquiring about products)
• Community Agents: Name, organization, district, coverage area, bio

4.2 We Do NOT Share

• Email addresses (except when you contact other users through the platform)
• Phone numbers (except when you choose to display them)
• Passwords (we store encrypted versions only)
• National ID documents (visible only to administrators)
• Personal information to third parties for marketing

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to:

• Protect our legal rights
• Investigate fraud or security issues
• Protect user safety

5. Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Passwords are encrypted using industry-standard methods
• HTTPS: Secure connections for all data transmission
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates
• Email Verification: Protects against unauthorized account creation

Note: No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Update

• View and edit your profile information at any time
• Update contact details, location, and preferences
• Manage your product listings

6.2 Account Deletion

• You may delete your account through Account Settings
• Deletion is permanent and will remove:
  • Your profile information
  • Product listings (farmers)
  • Reviews and ratings
  • Inquiry history
• Some information may be retained for legal or security purposes

6.3 Communication Preferences

• Manage email notification settings in your account
• Opt out of promotional emails (verification emails cannot be disabled)

6.4 Cookie Management

• Adjust cookie settings in your browser
• Disabling cookies may affect platform functionality

7. Children's Privacy

FarmConnect SL is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us immediately.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Necessary to provide services
• Required by law or for legitimate business purposes
• Needed to resolve disputes or enforce agreements

After account deletion, we may retain some information in anonymized form for analytical purposes.

9. International Users

FarmConnect SL operates primarily in Sierra Leone. If you access the platform from outside Sierra Leone, your information may be transferred to and processed in Sierra Leone. By using the platform, you consent to this transfer.

10. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

We will notify users of significant changes via email or prominent notice on the platform.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

• Email: support@farmconnectsl.farm
• Phone: +232 79 564768
• Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone