Alliance for Science launches digital platform for agrovets

The move is aimed at bolstering information access and linking agrovets countrywide, at the same time enabling farmers to access the same information.

Speaking during the launch of the first instalment in Kisumu, Executive Director of Alliance for Science, Dr. Sheila Ochugboju, underscored the importance of agrovets in the success of agriculture in the nation, saying the platform will bridge the gap and ensure information required is at their disposal.

“Agrovets are important messengers in the Kenyan agricultural value chain and yet they lack training on the full range of services and products that may be available to their clients,” she said.

According to her, Alliance for Science will give support to improve their capacity to act as honest brokers and trusted messengers for agricultural inputs. 

4BM’s project manager Eric Langi, who was also present at the luncheon hosted by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOST), said the move would help agrovets to leverage WhatsApp groups for connection and gathering market intelligence.

He similarly noted that farmers would also be empowered while making their farming decisions and understanding the market for their produce.

“Digital communities provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect and support each other,” he said.

“Agrovets can leverage WhatsApp groups to gather market intelligence, trends, customer preferences, and demands. This information can help farmers make informed decisions and adapt to changing needs of the market.”

Currently, there are approximately 10,000 agrovets against a population of 4.5 million smallholder farmers who, according to companies, face numerous challenges including a lack of access to information about weather patterns, pests, diseases, and market prices. 

The digital communities will be rolled out in Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, and Kirinyaga counties.