Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
HAMARA Group Zimbabwe has developed a mobile application (app) for farmers that will provide them with information that links them to training, markets, financing as well as inputs through the use of technology.
The app is a potential game changer for unlocking productivity across Africa and provides enhanced information dissemination. Hamara head of marketing and public relations, Mr Clarence Mutangara said the app was developed to address challenges faced by farmers.
“With the background of challenges and our experiences as a group, we concluded that small-scale farmers’ challenges include lack of knowledge, markets, financing as well as logistics problems, difficulties in access to inputs and lack of tools and systems to facilitate production. The solution is to combine technology with the systems, experience and exposure we have developed over years to package an agribusiness solution on a farmer’s smartphone.”
He said the app aids one to become a better farmer by facilitating an agribusiness journey from a beginner to professional.
“On training, the app gives users free access to training material and courses, as well as notifications about upcoming in-person training sessions of training camps. App users who embark on a farmer journey can also track their training growth (and be rated accordingly) while earning points and rewards for their progress, which are redeemable in our stores and those of participating corporate partners,” he added.
He said on tools, it gave users access to farm management tools like broiler, layer, and sasso online record sheets that incorporate vaccination schedules, cropping schedules, production checklists and market and industry surveys.
Mr Mutangara said the tracking feature gives users the ability to track the progress of their productive units against an international standard, their growth as a farmer who starts as a novice or beginner through five levels to master farmer or professional and their training as they enrol in online courses.
“The Hamara app gives users a platform to collaborate with fellow farmers, buyers, service providers to form or join clubs (similar to co-operatives), in order to get commercial contracts and even financing (if platinum-rated). It also gives users a platform to access markets and producers alike through an online store where they purchase inputs and produce from a trading floor to buy from or sell to other users.”
“We are seeing daily growth in the numbers of users. It is currently free to download and use on Google Play Store and Apple Store for iOS.”
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Bongani Ndlovu