This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
Published on January 4, 2020, a Kenyan entrepreneur highlighted the potential of digital technologies in transforming market access and information for farmers.
According to the entrepreneur, most farmers were complaining of being exploited by brokers because they were not selling directly to consumers. This led to the creation of Mkulima Young, a social enterprise, to help transform market access and information.
The entrepreneur noted that running an online platform for farmers requires passion for farming, a willingness to self-fund online platform development, and an understanding of how social media works and how to engage farmers online.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the right people and developing mentor relationships with those who have the experience of founding start-ups.
The entrepreneur also advised farmers to adopt a hybrid marketing approach in which they use both traditional and virtual platforms to sell, and to gain experience in digital marketing and selling to increase their knowledge of market demands.
