A section of farmers in Kiambu County are enjoying the full benefits of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) initiated in a quest to improve services.
Kiambu agricultural officer Jane Muigai says that the use of mobile phones has improved communication between the officers and the farmers who now spend a short time seeking information regarding their farming activities.
Speaking from her office on Monday, Muigai said that because of their large area of operation, the use of mobile phones had come in handy and most of those connected did not need to go to the offices for advice. This has allegedly helped both the farmers and the agricultural officers save time and money.
She noted that many farmers in Kiambu were literate and have registered operational websites where they posted their produce for purposes of marketing. She hailed the farmers who were interacting with others on the internet saying that they promoted farming both locally and internationally.
Muigai added that by use of networking websites, the officers are able to post the farmers grievances to the county government for attention.
Alex Gatimu, a farmer from Riabai village says that ICT use had benefited him since by using mobile phones, he is able to communicate with his customers when they need his produce.
Gatimu added that communication is made easier when a farmer needed advice from the agricultural officers, as they do not have to travel for the information they can get on the phone.