Tanzania Introduces e-Kilimo: A Digital Transformation for Agriculture Innovation
Tanzania has taken a significant step towards modernizing its agriculture sector with the launch of the e-Kilimo platform. The digital initiative, funded by the European Union and jointly managed by the Tanzanian government and the United Nations, aims to provide farmers, particularly those in remote areas, with expert technical support [1][2][4].
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Tanzania's economy, contributing 23% to the national GDP and employing nearly two-thirds of the population [5]. However, the majority of the population remains offline, with only 31.9% of Tanzanians having internet access, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) [3].
Recognizing the challenges posed by limited internet and smartphone access in rural areas, e-Kilimo addresses these issues by focusing on creating a mobile app that links farmers directly with local extension agents. This allows for the provision of tailored agricultural advice, even in remote locations [1][2][4]. The platform is designed to function via mobile technologies that are increasingly available and usable in rural zones.
To further mitigate access issues, the government emphasizes digital skills training alongside the platform rollout. This aims to build farmers' capacity to use mobile tools effectively, contributing to gradually overcoming connectivity gaps [1][2].
e-Kilimo also incorporates mechanisms such as a registry of input suppliers to ensure authenticity of products and an annual evaluation system for extension officers to improve service delivery accountability [1][2][4]. This makes the system more responsive and trustworthy for rural users who rely heavily on agricultural extension support.
The platform, if successful, could inspire other nations in the region to adopt similar digital tools to support their agricultural sectors. By distributing best practices more effectively, improving resource allocation, and enhancing the focus of interventions, e-Kilimo has the potential to revolutionize agricultural services [6].
Tanzanian officials are optimistic that e-Kilimo can bridge the gap in providing timely technical advice to farmers. Over 75% of Tanzania's population resides in rural areas where farming is crucial to their livelihoods [4]. The e-Kilimo model could significantly improve the lives of these rural farmers by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in agriculture.
References:
[1] e-Kilimo: A Digital Agriculture Platform for Tanzania. (2021). Digital Green. https://digitalgreen.org/resources/e-kilimo-digital-agriculture-platform-tanzania/
[2] Tanzania Launches e-Kilimo Platform to Modernize Agriculture. (2021). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/dec/17/tanzania-launches-e-kilimo-platform-to-modernize-agriculture
[3] International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2021). Tanzania - ICT Statistics. https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Pages/stat/default.aspx
[4] Tanzania's e-Kilimo Platform Tackles Rural Internet and Smartphone Access Challenges. (2021). AgFunder News. https://agfundernews.com/tanzanias-e-kilimo-platform-tackles-rural-internet-and-smartphone-access-challenges/
[5] Agriculture in Tanzania. (2021). World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/tanzania/topic/agriculture
[6] How e-Kilimo Could Revolutionize Agriculture in Tanzania. (2021). The East African. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/agriculture/how-e-kilimo-could-revolutionise-agriculture-in-tanzania/article-4506942
Technology is central to the e-Kilimo platform, a digital initiative launched in Tanzania to modernize its agriculture sector. This mobile app, designed to function via mobile technologies, aims to provide agricultural advice to farmers in remote areas, thus addressing the challenges posed by limited internet and smartphone access in rural Tanzania.
