In an effort to empower and impact rural farmers with digital solutions for agriculture, Esoko – an impact-driven agricultural profiling and messaging service – has launched an ‘agent network model’ to help farmers access information for farming purposes.
The model, a computer-based application known as the insyt app, is used by farmers to access information and funds on digital platforms to ease the stress they go through in getting information on best agronomic practices in farming seasons.
The insyt app, according to Esoko, aims at improving data collection in both online and offline mode, and ensures data quality with skip logistics and validations.
Speaking at the event in Tamale, Senior Business Development Advisor of Esoko, Mr. Gordon Nee Nikoi Kotey, said most SMEs in the country struggle with data collection and management – a situation that has highlighted the need for adapting to the ever-evolving digitisation of the economy, especially those in the rural areas, hence the intervention.
“Esoko is committed to improving the livelihoods of rural and underserved communities by providing them with technological solutions to improve agriculture across the continent,” he stated.
Insyt, the company said, also captures photos, fingerprints and signatures. Mapping land area and GIS location are accessible on the app, and it supports real-time data submission.
Through this technology solution, the organisation has provided access to financial and digital inclusion for over one million farmers, with over 37 million people also enrolled in various social interventions across 20 countries.
He noted, the organisation currently provides African farmers in ten countries with market price as well as weather information and further advisory content via SMS-based and voice-based phone services. “Esoko is committed to improving the livelihoods of rural and underserved communities by providing them with technological solutions to improve agriculture across the continent,” he stated.
Senior Business Development Manager of Esoko, Solomon Tematey Mensah, said the agent network model was introduced due to the demand by communities, adding: “Our agents will train some members of the communities on uses of the app, and also educate them on its importance”.
