Online platform aids small-scale farmers keep track of records

“But agriculture is still not helping me. I invest so much in my tomatoes, kale and watermelons. Yet for some reason I get little in return,” says Ms Muthoni, noting that she does not recall the exact amount of money she spends on, or receives from her trade.

Her plight is shared by many small-scale farmers in Kenya, who out of ignorance or poor record keeping skills, cannot adequately track their agricultural finances.

These farmers no longer need to worry, as a new Internet tool dubbed Farm Records Management Information System (Farmis Kenya) has now come to their rescue.

The digital platform — developed by Soko Pepe Limited — enables farmers to easily manage their agricultural enterprises online, whilst allowing them to evaluate expenses incurred and income generated.

Through Farmis Kenya, farmers can track all activities undertaken in an entire farming season, including land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting and sale of farm produce.

The system captures all expenses incurred at each stage such as the amount of money used in buying seeds, hiring farm workers or renting land for cultivation.

Once the produce are sold, Farmis Kenya then enables registered small-scale farmers to automatically determine whether they have made profits or losses.

“This online platform basically ensures that every shilling used by a farmer is accounted for,” says Ms Esther Lungahi, an expert on the new technology at the Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN).

Consequently, such innovative platforms allow farmers like Ms Muthoni to identify gaps in their production systems and specific crops that are good for business.

To generate more data on its effectiveness, ALIN is currently piloting Farmis Kenya in Meru – the county with the highest number of small-scale farmers in Kenya.

“The result will enable us to gauge the impact of the technology on farmers as well as challenges that need to be addressed,” explains Ms Lungahi.

To address needs of farmers who may not be tech-savvy, Soko Pepe has produced a hard copy version which is similar to the electronic farm book used online. The book allows farmers to keep a physical record of all farm activities and expenses through writing.

Thereafter, the more than 20 production information agents (PIA) scattered in different parts of Meru transfer this information online (to Farmis Kenya) through Internet-enabled smartphones or computers.

These PIAs, with experience on agricultural extension services, also create awareness on the platform and train farmers on how to use Farmis Kenya.

Even though this online tool is currently being piloted in Meru only, small-scale farmers in other counties could still use it and reap the benefits.

“The only service they will miss out on is that offered by the PIA. But this is only one component of Farmis Kenya,” notes Ms Lungahi.

She advises those interested to first register online (www.farmis.co.ke) and create their profiles. The trial version of Farmis Kenya can be used by farmers — free of charge – for 30 days.

“They will enjoy all services at no cost and gauge the usefulness of the platform,” says Ms Lungahi.

Thereafter, she states, farmers are expected to pay a yearly fee of Sh500 to continue accessing the system.

The system can automatically generate various progress reports that allow members to know performance of their agricultural enterprises. “It can even generate a map tracking the performance of specific crops that one has,” she says.

Ms Lungahi adds that the financial reports produced by Farmis Kenya are especially important for farmers in seeking loans from banks and inputs, such as seeds or fertilisers, from companies.

“A lack of records has always been a major hurdle to farmers in dire need of such services to boost their yields,” she says.

Registered Farmis Kenya members also receive at least two weekly text messages that are key to the success of their farming enterprises.

Ms Lungahi says they get information on prevailing market prices for various crops in different parts of Kenya.

These farmers also receive SMS tips on planting techniques, pest control, pruning, and fertiliser application.

The Farmis Kenya members also get weather alerts based on predictions made by the Meteorological Department. “Farmers are free to enquire about any other information that they may need to boost their yields.”

The platform also links farmers to buyers. “They can post offers of their produce online before harvest so as to have a ready market afterwards,” she adds.

In addition, Farmis Kenya keeps a database of all genuine input suppliers in East Africa with their contacts and current price lists. This information protects farmers from unscrupulous middlemen selling fake products that impede crop production. In Meru, ALIN intends to profile around 5,000 farmers on the Farmis Kenya platform.

Ms Lungahi says that the online forum could thus come in handy for county governments once it expands to incorporate details of farmers in all devolved units.

“At the touch of a button, they will be able to tell how many farmers are in their area, the types of crops they grow and hurdles facing them.”