The project that aims to empower farmers to increase efficiency and access the best markets for maximum returns has been launched.
Dubbed Sokopepe — Kiswahili
for virtual market — the initiative is an agricultural commodity trading
platform that will link small-scale producers to final retailers or
bulk purchasers.
Some of the services that are being
provided include commodity prices, farm inputs, linkage with other
service providers, and farming and livestock tips as well as secure
mobile payment systems.
Speaking
at its launch last week, the ALIN regional director, Mr James Nguo,
encouraged farmers to join the platform by registering through a mobile
short code.
“Sokopepe is accessible online and on
mobile phone. Most transactions on Sokopepe can be completed on a basic
mobile telephone handset, making it accessible to farmers in remote
regions. We are, therefore, encouraging farmers and agro-pastoralists to
register with Sokopepe,” said Mr Nguo.
He said the
system enables farmers to earn more by connecting them directly to
buyers, thus eliminating middlemen.
Joyce Mawia a champion farmer who represented kyuso community at the launch of Sokopepe projected said that from look of things Sokopepe will help many farmers to access market information for a wise market decision.
Joyce Mawia a champion farmer who represented kyuso community at the launch of Sokopepe projected said that from look of things Sokopepe will help many farmers to access market information for a wise market decision.
"After sharing with other farmers representatives from other six Maarifa centres in Kenya, i realized that every region has commodities that does well in that area" said Mawia, "In Kyuso, sokopepe will enable us to market green grams and Gadam sorghum that does well in the area. Fodders such as acacia pods is also available."
She added that if farmers from the largest irrigation scheme in Tseikuru sub-county of Kitui district under Kalonzo Musyoka Faundation, Red Cross and other stakeholders can also benefit from sokopepe if at all they register.
More information : http://www.sokopepe.co.ke/
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