In a bid to save farmers from heavy losses as a result of erratic weather patterns due to climate change, a new digital platform has been launched to help Kenyan farmers access timely weather updates for proper decision making thanks to a Ksh114 million aid by African Development Bank (AfDB).
The Transformation Centres Digital Platform (KRTCDP) created by the Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) aims at putting farmers at the centre of a single electronic “ecosystem” and connecting them with all the sectors in the agricultural value chain.
According to Mr. Josphat Muhunyu, the Agricultural Secretary, State Department of Crop Development, the platform will enable the growers be linked to the Met Department so that they can get timely forecasts for appropriate planning and gaining maximum returns from their produce.
“The platform will help farmers in decision-making through access to agribusiness services and information such as the broadcast of agricultural-cycle information on weather forecasts, wholesale and retail commodity prices,” said Muhunyu.
It also seeks to link smallholder farmers with all relevant stakeholders on the same digital platform, hence creating a one-stop shop for producers.
Project implementation
The KRTCDP project which is to be implemented by CUK received Ksh114 million support from (AfDB) through the Fund for Africa Private Sector Assistance (FAPA) and the pilot phase of the project is set to be implemented in Nakuru, Baringo, and Narok counties, with an initial focus on maize, Irish potatoes, and dairy.
“I am delighted that we have been able to launch KRTCDP project designed to enable smallholder farmers to connect to all critical players in the agricultural forward and backward value chains. Through the shared digital platform, farmers will be able to easily engage input suppliers, agro-dealers, financiers, insurance agencies, marketers, and buyers, among other service providers, on a mobile phone platform,” said Prof Kamau Ngamau, CUK Vice Chancellor.
According to him, as per the country’s Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (2019-2029), the project addresses the issue of enhanced agricultural productivity and the formation of Special Agro Processing Zones.
Attracting the youth
In addition, the project and digital centres will also attract the youth in agriculture and become a game changer that will also create jobs and ensure the continuity in the agriculture sector.
“Youths will be providers of services, there will be creation of jobs and contribution tremendously in the in the government transformation agenda,” Said Ngamau.
