Ubia Soko: The story of Tech and Smallholder farmers

We have learned over the years that you cannot implement field based programmes without partners. We recognise that although we may have the technology and knowhow to implement the rollout of our mobile app, Ubia Soko, we cannot  do this on our own. It would be impossible. We have brought together partners to help make the programme relevant - not only to traders and input distributors - we also need to win the hearts and minds of farmers.  One of our partners, the Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT) has been working in Tanzania for many years, providing grassroots level support to farmer associations, building trust. ACT assists Ubia Soko  by introducing us to  farmer organisations, agricultural traders,  processors and their networks. ACT also helps  us with local Government contacts at the district and village levels and ensures awareness and acceptance of the platform at the national level.

While we know some international development agencies encourage participation through so-called "sitting fees" - Ubia Soko relies on word of mouth, farmer networks and the usefulness of the product to attract interest - we use the app to message farmers. 70 plus smallholders, both men and women, travelled up to 4 kms to attend the Ubia Soko training session in Michenga today. Almost all participants had phones but not all phones were reliable. It was a very wet day but farmers overcame their logistical problems to be trained to use the Ubia Soko app.