Tag: agriculture

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The Haller Farmers App: A Game-Changer for Kenyan Agriculture?

Kenyan farmers are constantly seeking ways to improve their yields and livelihoods. One tool that’s been gaining attention is the Haller Farmers app. But is it worth downloading?

The Haller Farmers app, developed by the Haller Foundation, offers a wealth of agricultural knowledge tailored for small-scale farmers in Kenya. It provides practical advice on sustainable farming techniques, pest control, and water conservation – all critical issues in Kenya’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Key benefits include:

Offline accessibility, crucial in areas with limited internet connectivity
Information on organic farming methods, reducing reliance on expensive chemicals
Step-by-step guides for various crops, helping farmers diversify their produce
However, it’s important to note that the app is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Farmers should consider their specific needs, technical comfort, and farm conditions before adopting any new technology.

In conclusion, for many Kenyan farmers, especially those new to smartphone technology or looking to implement sustainable practices, the Haller Farmers app could be a valuable resource. It’s free to download, so curious farmers have little to lose by giving it a try.

As with any tool, its true value will depend on how effectively it’s used in conjunction with local knowledge and experience.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.haller.app

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Flood and Drought Resilience in Kenya


George Tsitati writes:
“I am searching for leads of community-based organisations in East Africa, mainly in Kenya, that help communities; pastoralists, agropastoralists, and farmers develop responses to floods and droughts. However, I appreciate the leads of organisations outside Kenya as well.”

George Tsitati
PhD Candidate; Anticipatory Actions for Disaster Risk Management; Geographic Information Systems; Climate Finance; Community-Based Early Warning Systems; Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience; Commonwealth Scholar.

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AgriProFocus Kenya – Have You Joined?

Over at AgriProFocus, they bring together farmers, agribusinesses, civil society, knowledge institutes and governments. United in diversity, their members show that agribusiness and development are not mutually exclusive. Together, they find new, sustainable ways of creating impact with business; cultivating collaboration through linking, learning and leadership.

LINKING – Build successful partnerships

AgriProFocus helps people find the right people to solve problems and to do business with. Whether you are looking for change makers in the agri-food sector or partners to solve specific challenges with. Their network connects (un)usual suspects, facilitates innovative ways of working together and stimulates long term collaboration.

LEARNING – Expand your expertise

AgriProFocus facilitates exciting learning environments aimed at innovating people’s business. Their members share best practices, experiences and failures in order to learn from and with each other. Reflection and sense-making around specific issues are key in their learning processes.

LEADERSHIP – Find your leverage

AgriProFocus is a space for people to set and influence the agenda in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. Their network aims to change both the ways of working and the rules of the game in the agri-food sector. By collectively improving the business environment for agripreneurs, they make sure impact is made at scale.

If that sounds interesting, you can join up here.
Ndiyo, I’ve joined 😊

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PlantVillage Nuru – an application that uses a digital assistant to diagnose crop disease

PlantVillage Nuru to diagnose crop disease
PlantVillage Nuru

PlantVillage Nuru is a publically supported, and publically developed application that uses a digital assistant to help farmers diagnose crop disease in the field, without an internet connection. Developed at Penn State University the app uses Google’s Tensorflow machine learning tool and a database of images collected by crop disease experts across the world. The app is based on extensive research comparing the accuracy of machine learning models to human experts and extension work. This is continual research and the app will be constantly updated. The app also allows for a blended model where images are examined by AI and human intelligence through a cloud system. This app was developed with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization. We welcome further collaboration with public institutions. This app is a public good and is not commercial or backed by venture capitalists. We do not have advertisements or collect farmer data to sell to third parties. You can donate if you like https://plantvillage.psu.edu/. In addition to the diagnostic tool the app contains the library of knowledge that is on PlantVillage, the largest open access library of crop health knowledge in the world.

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Want to Work at One Acre Fund? What’s it like?

Have you have ever thought about a career at One Acre Fund, but wondered about what the office and work culture are really like? Ronny Mutisya and Victor Kirubi, two of their staffers, take you behind the scenes at their headquarters in Kakamega, Kenya. In their video, they answer your questions about working with One Acre Fund. They’ll tell you about what to expect from the One Acre Fund’s office, the benefits of moving from the city to a rural area, and how you can transfer your skills to a career in agricultural development.

I have known One Acre Fund for years and would encourage anyone to apply.