Importance of agricultural
mechanization &
Digitization
“The combination of digital technology and human creativity in deploying it will revolutionize life for Africa’s farmers by overcoming isolation, speeding up change, and taking success to scale.”
— Kofi Annan, Sir Gordon Conway and Sam Dryden
Our Journey
Agri Innovation Hub was founded in 2019 by Hazel Awino, a 4th year student at Kenyatta University with the aim of highlighting agricultural innovations done by the youth but never see the light of day. As time went by we realized that the potato value chain is one of the largest with over 800,000 farmers but with no structure so we thought of streamlining the potato value chain which has remained unstructured for a long time to the disadvantage of the farmer. This prompted her to came up with an App that provides solution by bringing all stakeholders together. This include farmers, soil testers, farm input providers, agronomists, weather forecasters, farm machinery providers, financiers, transporters, potato bulk buyers etc. The App, Agri Hub Soko has won various awards including Code Hack 2020 sponsored by Pwani Tekno Galz and Vijana Na Agribiz by Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC).
How the App, Agri Soko works
First and foremost the farmer is registered onto the App by agents thereafter the farmer downloads the application on their phone. Through the app the farmers are able to access readily available extension services i.e. agronomical support, affordable farm inputs, financial support, reliable and sustainable markets. In trying to meet the high demand on quality and quantity of potatoes, Agri Innovation Hub organized a successful farmers’ field day on 23rd June 2022 at Eor’enk-tok, near Kisiriri in Narok County. We discovered that field days are most successful outreach methods and have become activities to showcase innovations to farmers for adaptation. We were honored to have partnered with Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) and National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) on this day.
Agri Innovation Hub’s Chairman Mr. Godwin Onduru (left), Grace Awuor, Head of Operations (second left),
Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Director General Mr. Calistus Efuko and Chief Executive Officer Hazel Awino (right) at AFA Offices in Nairobi
Guests, exhibitors and farmers during launch of the Agri Soko App and farmers field day
Agri Innovation Hub Chairman Mr. Onduru, CEo Hazel Awino and Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Director General Mr. Calistus Efuko at their Officer in Nairobi
“Your agricultural production and commodity value chain information is unique, easy to follow. My recommendation is that you keep the good work up and you are good to go places.”
John Ayisi Jatango
Director of Agriculture at Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Ghana)
During the occasion, the App, Agri Hub Soko was launched with over 350 farmers given an opportunity to have a feel on how the App works. Our farmers need user friendly, easy to learn innovation as a tool for them to adapt and grow. The farmers were also educated on good and new farming practices. It is worth noting that the objectives of the field day were met by bringing the stakeholders in the potato industry together. The exhibitors demonstrated and showcased their products and farmers learnt a lot. In addition, the interaction between farming groups, individual farmers and exhibitors is proof of willingness to learn and a show of interest which culminated to exchange of contacts leading to sales
Various exhibitors graced the occasion including
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, • Koppert Biological Systems (K) Ltd., • Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), • CKL Africa Ltd, • Greenlife Crop Protection Africa Ltd • Agrico PSA, • FreshCrop Limited, • Livatty Africa Ltd, • The Real IPM Co.(Kenya) Ltd, • SunCulture Kenya Ltd, • Truvets Techno Systems Limited, • Biolevel Limited • Rainbow Agro, Ltd • Gooseberry Delight Ltd, • Royal Seed Delight Ltd
Launch of the Agri Soko Demo Farm
On 19th December 2022 we set up a demo farm at Eor’enk-tok, near Kisiriri in Narok County which makes it easy for the farmers to practically learn on the good and sustainable farm practices, plant and farm management. The farmers were taken through soil testing, land preparation, input application, to planting of certified seeds (Markies variety). This is an ongoing activity and farmers are encouraged to join us and learn more.
For our Demo Farms, we are honored to partner with;
Other Companies who have also supported us
Agri Hubs, Catalyzing Agricultural Innovation and Development
Agri Hubs, Catalyzing Agricultural Innovation and Development
Introduction:
Agri hubs have emerged as transformative models in the agricultural sector, playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, sustainable practices, and economic growth. These dynamic centers bring together farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to collectively address challenges, share knowledge and foster collaborations. By providing a platform for learning, research, entrepreneurship, and market linkages, agri hubs are transforming the agricultural landscape and paving the way for a more resilient and productive future.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Agri hubs serve as vibrant knowledge-sharing platforms, disseminating information, and best practices to farmers and other stakeholders. They organize workshops, training programs, and seminars to enhance technical knowledge, improve farming techniques, and promote sustainable practices. By connecting farmers with experts, agri hubs empower individuals to adopt innovative approaches, increase productivity, and mitigate risks.
- Research and Development: Innovation and research are at the core of agri hubs. These hubs house research facilities, laboratories, and experimental farms, where scientists, agronomists, and agricultural experts work collaboratively. By conducting research, developing new technologies, and testing novel farming methods, agri hubs drive agricultural progress. The research outcomes lead to the development of high-yielding crop varieties, efficient irrigation systems, precision farming techniques, and sustainable pest management strategies.
- Entrepreneurship and Incubation: Agri hubs foster a vibrant ecosystem for agricultural entrepreneurship. They offer incubation programs, mentorship, and financial support to aspiring agripreneurs and startups. Through access to shared infrastructure, business development services, and market insights, agri hubs enable the successful launch and scaling of innovative agricultural ventures. These initiatives not only drive economic growth but also contribute to job creation and rural development.
- Market Linkages and Value Chain Integration: One of the key functions of agri hubs is to establish robust market linkages. They facilitate connections between farmers, agribusinesses, retailers, and exporters, creating transparent and efficient agricultural value chains. Agri hubs provide market intelligence, assist in quality assurance and certification, and enable access to domestic and international markets. By reducing information gaps, enhancing bargaining power, and ensuring fair prices, agri hubs contribute to improved market opportunities for farmers and increased profitability.
- Policy Advocacy and Sustainability: Agri hubs play an essential role in shaping agricultural policies and advocating for sustainable practices. They collaborate with governments, policymakers, and development agencies to influence policy frameworks that support agricultural innovation, rural development, and environmental sustainability. Agri hubs provide evidence-based recommendations, conduct research on policy issues, and pilot sustainable models that can be scaled up at the national or regional level.
- Community Engagement and Social Impact: Agri hubs are not just physical spaces; they are centers of community engagement and social cohesion. By bringing together farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders, they foster collaboration, peer learning, and collective action. Agri hubs support the formation of farmer cooperatives, women's groups, and youth networks, promoting social inclusion, empowerment, and equitable agricultural development. These initiatives contribute to poverty reduction, gender equality, and the overall well-being of rural communities.
Conclusion: Agri hubs have emerged as vital catalysts for agricultural transformation, providing a conducive environment for collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By integrating knowledge, research, market linkages, and policy advocacy, agri hubs are instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by farmers and driving sustainable agricultural development. These hubs are not only key drivers of economic growth but also enablers of social inclusion and environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with the need for increased food production and climate resilience, agri hubs will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture.