A farmer tending her crops.[photo/farmerstrend.co.ke]
The dynamics in the agriculture sector requires a constant flow of information between farmers and experts so as to address any arising issues.
However, the number of extension officers in the country is relatively low and they are not able to meet the farmers at their homes, making it hard for the two parties to exchange ideas as often as is required.
The introduction of We Farm, a networking platform through which farmers across the country share ideas and seek advice from experts, will enable them to get timely answers to their concerns.
According to Jamila Abash, the country coordinator for We Farm, the farmers are only required to register to a designated number after which they can send text messages at no cost.
The platform is clustered into various groups depending on the farming activities carried out in the country. This includes livestock, fish keeping, poultry, and crops.
Once the message is sent, the system automatically forwards it to those involved in that particular farming practice.
Response to the message is almost instant and any registered farmer who gets the text can reply.
In cases where the question is too technical, experts come in and help in giving elaborate answers to farmers.
“The longest it can take to have a question answered is 24 hours,” says Jamila.
Jamila says this has greatly enhanced the flow of information among farmers who are able to share ideas and get help from experts.
“We allow farmers to share ideas, but we have experts to analyze the questions posed and give answers,” she adds.
For instance, she says, the current armyworm menace, which has invaded the maize crops in the country, was first discovered in the western part of Kenya. The farmers here have devised their own ways biological, cultural or chemical, which they have been using to fight the pest.