Why this project?

Access to quality agricultural information remains a challenge to many Kenyan farmers despite the fact that their ability to increase food production and benefit economically is linked to their ability to adopt new farming practices, solve problems and link to markets. While farmers currently access information through a web of social networks, sometimes this information is limited and cannot help them increase their farm productivity.

What:

Kenya’s mobile penetration stands at 82% with an expected rise to 90% before 2030, according to Communication Authority of Kenya.  Therefore, mobile phone accessibility in Kenya, especially among the poor, makes it an important tool to pass important information on agriculture, which can enable farmers to improve their incomes.  iShamba, a Kenyan based mobile phone subscription- Farmers Club, was developed to respond to the need of access to information for farmers by utilising the rapid expansion of mobile phones. iShamba (translated to iFarm from Swahili) provides quality information on farm inputs, best practices, weather and prices to the subscribed farmers. Its main aim is to improve the yields and income derived from selling produce for participating farmers and create a commercially sustainable business model for the SMS service.  It works through a platform that digitally manages agricultural information and disseminates it through an SMS distribution and call centre facility without the need for a Mobile Network Operator. Since its inception, the iShamba SMS service has recorded a 50% increase in usage.

How:

iShamba provides SMS advice tailored to the crops and livestock each farmer holds, local to their location in Kenya, and in tune with their region’s crop cycle. The platform makes it possible to deliver real time information allowing farmers to make informed decisions on farm inputs, crops to plant, pricing and bargaining. Consequently, this increases farm level production and access to markets ensures an income plus improved livelihoods. Farmers using iShamba also benefit from special offers and discount prices offered by key EAC-based agri-product suppliers who are keen to use the platform as a direct channel to reach new customers.

Contact:

Allan Ngugi, Email; Allan.Ngugi@trademarkea.com

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