Your money comes one time, in a big lump.
Your costs come every week, small and steady.
That is the problem. Not the size of your harvest. This is why the pocket is empty by planting time.
You cannot change when the crop pays you. You can change what you do in the first hour after it pays.
Choose the part before you sell
The only sure time to keep money is the moment it reaches your hand. After that, there is always a reason not to.
So choose before you go to the buyer.
Choose a part, not an amount. Like one quarter. A part still works when the harvest is small, and when it is big.
The right part is the one you will really keep.
Then, on the day: take it out before you go home.
Where to keep it
Three places. Each one has a weak side.
Njangi. Strong. The group waits for you, so you pay. Money you cannot touch easily is money that stays. Weak side: you receive at your turn, not when you need it.
Mobile money. Fast. Near you. No journey. Weak side: it is one button away from being spent. And small fees add up when you touch it often. It holds money well. It saves money badly.
Bank or microfinance. Safest. It also builds your name, which helps later when you want to borrow. Weak side: far, papers, and sometimes a minimum.
Many farmers use two. A njangi to hold them strong. Mobile money for what must stay near.
One test
Ask yourself: can I take this money on a normal Tuesday, for a normal reason?
If yes, it is not saving. It is only money waiting.
A little difficulty is a good thing here.