Digital agriculture tools are increasingly seen as a way to boost farming productivity, especially for smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Kenya, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy, the use of digital tools has grown significantly. These tools are designed to help farmers improve their productivity, manage resources efficiently, and connect with markets, with the goal of reducing post-harvest losses.
Over the past decade, the number of digital agriculture tools available to farmers in Kenya has tripled, from 17 in 2013 to 52 in 2023. These tools include apps, sensors, and other technologies that provide personalized advice based on farm-specific data. For instance, apps like iShamba offer general farming information, while tools like AgroCares Scanner provide advice on soil health based on specific farm tests. Other tools, like DigiFarm, connect farmers with financial services, enabling access to credit for buying inputs such as seeds and fertilizers.
Despite the rapid growth of digital tools, some experts question their effectiveness in addressing the real challenges farmers face. While digital tools can help farmers access information, improve crop and livestock management, and connect with markets, they do not always address practical issues on the ground. For example, a Kenyan avocado farmer expressed frustration with the focus on apps, saying that what they really needed were crates to prevent their produce from being damaged during transport.
The effectiveness of digital tools depends on the quality and reliability of the data they provide. Many tools rely on smartphones, which may not be accessible to all farmers, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, digital literacy remains a barrier for some farmers, limiting their ability to fully benefit from these tools. While some tools are designed to work with basic feature phones or through intermediaries, there is still a gap in reaching all farmers.
Additionally, while digital tools can help farmers access inputs such as certified seeds and fertilizers, they do not always address sustainability or climate adaptation. Many tools lack features that promote eco-friendly farming practices, such as water use efficiency or soil health metrics. Incorporating such features into digital platforms could help farmers make better decisions for both their businesses and the environment. Governments and agencies could play a role by incentivizing the adoption of climate-resilient practices through these platforms.
Another challenge is the limited focus on long-term impacts. While many tools have shown positive effects in terms of improved knowledge, crop management, and access to markets, their long-term effects on farm productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability remain unclear. Comprehensive evaluations of these tools are needed to assess their usability, affordability, and integration with traditional farming practices.
In conclusion, while digital tools have the potential to significantly improve farming in Kenya, their effectiveness can be enhanced by addressing gaps in accessibility, data reliability, and sustainability. For these tools to reach their full potential, they must be integrated with local knowledge, cultural practices, and market development. By doing so, they can help farmers overcome the challenges they face and contribute to increased productivity, better livelihoods, and more sustainable agricultural practices.
