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.

Farmers are keen to learn and incredibly patient as long as what they learn fits with what they already know. Then they can integrate the new knowledge and use it. Frederic shows farmers the Ubia Soko app and then trains them to use it.  These lessons are more practical than theoretical. Farmers make very basic use of their phones and it seems phone companies don't provide sufficient coverage in rural areas. Coverage is irregular.  We'll find out later what the network in Mbaranji is like.