Airtel Africa has partnered with the GSMA on a project to provide around 250,000 small-holder farmers in Kenya with reliable and relevant agricultural information, via their mobiles. 

The project, named ‘Sauti ya Mkulima’ (Swahili for voice of the farmer) aims to improve improve farmers yield and potential income through access to the information, as well as building a digital community where farmers can exchange information about social gatherings, events and job opportunities, as well as have a chinwag about how their crops are coming along.

“At Airtel, we recognize innovative telecommunications solutions have the power to transform communities,” said Airtel Kenya managing director Shivan Bhargava. “This initiative is a solid testament to what partnerships that harness relevant consumer needs can achieve in overcoming daily challenges.”

The GSMA is putting $400,000 towards the project, as part of its mFarmer initiative, supported by USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.