Kenyan farmers are using social media apps to share farming tips and reach consumers directly. Challenges include poor internet and high data costs. Global leaders are investing in digital infrastructure for economic growth. Female farmers face obstacles in accessing loans for their businesses.
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Quick takeaways
Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp empower small-scale farmers in Kenya to sell directly to consumers, boosting profits significantly.
Ensuring safe access to the internet and investing in digital infrastructure are crucial for driving growth in emerging economies like Kenya.
Deep dives
Cathy Kamau's Farming Journey and Online Community Development
Cathy Kamau, a successful farmer from Meru County, Kenya, faced initial losses due to lack of information in onion farming. Her experience led her to start a Facebook group for farmers to share knowledge and ask questions. By providing accurate information and guidance, Cathy's online community expanded into a profitable business model offering educational programs.
Social Media Empowerment for Farmers like Gladys Wanda
Gladys Wanda, a small-scale farmer, struggled with low prices from wholesalers until she turned to social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to sell directly to consumers. By utilizing social media, Gladys increased her profits by almost 80% compared to broker offers. She emphasized the need for consistent and active engagement on social media to boost sales.
Challenges and Opportunities for Farmers like Grace Rangari
Grace Rangari, a farm owner focusing on tea and livestock, highlighted the struggle of accessing loans due to collateral requirements, particularly for women in Kenya. Despite limitations, she initiated efforts through WhatsApp and advocacy groups to address credit constraints and gender disparities in accessing financial support. Grace emphasized the necessity for creative solutions to enhance financial access for female entrepreneurs.
We hear from some of the many small-scale farmers in Kenya who are using apps like What’sApp, Facebook and Instagram to share information about the best way to grow fruit and veg and sell direct to consumers. From the vibrant markets of Nairobi to the lush green slopes of Mount Kenya Sam Fenwick investigates how farming entrepreneurs are using smartphones to grow profits as well as peas.
But running a business online can be challenging in Kenya where internet connections can be patchy and data bundles expensive. Safe access to the internet is seen as development goal. At the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly governments, the private sector, philanthropic funds and international organisations agreed that investment in digital infrastructure would help drive growth in emerging economies. US$295 million was committed to advance inclusive digital public infrastructure.