Unlocking Telephone Farming Opportunity in Kenya
Background
The project tackles the lack of ecosystems to support Telephone Farming. Over 20% of agricultural land in Kenya is now in the hands of the urban-based middle class. Lacking the right business model, many do not farm the lands leading to waste. More crucially, many of them own lands that are classified as medium-scale contributing to the phenomena that have been described in Africa as the missing middle. In the African farm system, medium-scale farmers contribute little in terms of production yet medium-scale farms can contribute to rural transformation as they can avail mechanization, bring know-how and attract investment in the value chain e.g. logistics services and also contract smallholder farmers. They hold the key to rural transformation.
The Challenge
LRC Foundation and Latia Agribusiness Solutions (LAS) are keen to be at the forefront of filling the “Missing Middle in the Kenya Farm Systems”. User-friendly tools and interfaces are designed for managing farm operations, tracking metrics, and making data-driven decisions. Technology and automation augment capabilities, boosting efficiency.
What if cutting-edge technology and automation were seamlessly integrated into farming operations, revolutionizing productivity and efficiency while also creating new services that can employ young people as service providers to the farm system.
What if service and process design in agriculture were tailored specifically to the unique needs of mid-sized farms, empowering farmers to maximize their potential and achieve sustainable success?
About Latia Resource Center (LRC) and Latia Agribusiness Solutions (LAS)
Is a Kenyan Social Enterprise founded by Faraja Trust a limited organisation by guarantee and supports LRC in administration. LRC was established to provide training and business support services to farmers, pastoralists and agribusiness in Africa. LRC believes in the modernization of agriculture and improvement in food security in Africa. Food security can be greatly enhanced by effective practical training, adequate dissemination of knowledge and technology, and the provision of business support services to farmers, pastoralists and agribusinesses.
LRC puts Special emphasis on supporting vocational training and the development of a skilled workforce for agriculture in Africa and on programs in food production, renewable energy and water availability for people in semi-arid areas of Africa.