This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands, which cover over 80% of the country's land mass, are home to more than 60% of the country's livestock. In these regions, access to reliable weather information is crucial for the livelihoods of pastoralists.
AmfraTech, a local innovation hub, has developed a mobile application called 'myAnga' to address this need. The app provides subscribers with real-time weather updates, including rain and forage conditions for the week ahead, using data from an American-based agricultural intelligence firm.
Co-founder Racho Godana explains that the app uses weather data to inform pastoralists of weather patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions about their livestock's grazing and water needs.
Launched in Marsabit and Mandera counties, 'myAnga' has already gained popularity among local pastoralists, who rely on the app to stay up-to-date with the latest weather changes.
Developers hope to expand the app's reach to the rest of Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia, where similar weather-related challenges exist.
As the app continues to gain traction, it serves as a testament to the power of innovation in addressing the unique challenges faced by pastoralist communities.
