Tanzania Introduces e-Kilimo, Aiming to Modernize Agriculture through Digital Technologies
In a country where over 75% of the population resides in rural areas and farming plays a crucial role in their livelihoods, Tanzania has launched a digital platform called e-Kilimo to address the challenges posed by limited internet and smartphone access in these regions.
The e-Kilimo platform, funded by the European Union and jointly managed by the Tanzanian government and the United Nations, integrates direct human extension services with digital tools to pragmatically address rural connectivity limits. This hybrid model ensures that farmers, even those in remote locations, receive expert advice and support, regardless of their digital access.
One of the key ways e-Kilimo tackles these challenges is by enabling farmers to locate and contact extension officers physically close to them. This direct on-the-ground support is crucial, especially in areas where internet or smartphone use is limited.
The platform is also accessible via a mobile app, which promotes smartphone use, but is designed as part of a broader system that does not solely depend on digital access for reaching farmers. This hybrid approach helps overcome digital connectivity barriers prevalent in rural zones.
To ensure the effectiveness of the extension services, e-Kilimo has an annual performance evaluation system for extension officers. This focus on accountability and service efficiency is designed to improve how agricultural extension services reach farmers, including those in rural locations with connectivity hurdles.
In addition, e-Kilimo serves as a registry for input suppliers, enabling authorities to track the distribution of agricultural products. This helps improve service reliability even in less connected regions.
The broader agenda for digitizing the agriculture industry in Tanzania includes mobile-based market access, digital skills training, and real-time data collection tools. If successful, the e-Kilimo model could inspire other nations in the region to adopt similar digital tools to support their agricultural sectors.
Despite the potential of e-Kilimo, the digital divide poses a barrier to its widespread adoption in rural regions. Only 31.9% of Tanzanians are online, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, Tanzanian officials are optimistic that e-Kilimo can bridge the gap in providing timely technical advice to farmers.
Agriculture contributes 23% to Tanzania's national GDP and employs nearly two-thirds of the population. By distributing best practices more effectively, improving resource allocation, and enhancing the focus of interventions, e-Kilimo has the potential to revolutionize agricultural services.
The initiative was officially launched by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe on July 16. If the e-Kilimo model proves successful, it could revolutionize the way agricultural services are delivered in Tanzania, and potentially in other regions facing similar challenges.
Technology plays a significant role in the e-Kilimo platform, as it integrates digital tools with direct human extension services to address rural connectivity limits in Tanzania. The platform also includes a mobile app, promoting smartphone usage, but is designed as part of a broader system that does not solely depend on digital access for reaching farmers.
