In a partnership between the Uganda National Farmers Federation and The Innovation Village, 2.5 million smallholder farmers in off-grid areas of southwest north and West Nile will have access to digital agriculture extension services through an ATM-like card. The Todo program aims to create a network of at least 3,000 agents who will extend these services to farmers.
The card has a chip that communicates with a gadget held by the agent, allowing farmers to access services using biometrics such as their palms or face. The multi-wallet service will offer farmers access to multiple services, including agriculture inputs and farmer credit.
Despite the rural nature of agriculture clusters, innovation is producing workable solutions that harness existing telecom networks to bring digital services to farmers. The platform being built will help farmers to access services and find service providers locally, reducing the need for them to physically travel to service centers.
Innovation Village is working with technology companies and startups to bring 400 technology solutions to underserved communities, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture and education. The agriculture sector is currently the least digitalized sector in the country and the limited adoption of technology continues to reduce its productivity and contribution to the economy.
The Todo program seeks to bring much-needed innovation to the agricultural sector, helping farmers to access essential services and support their livelihoods.
