If cell phones are being used in developing countries to deliver preventative health care and offer access to education, then why not improve food security with agricultural advice? iShamba helps farmers in developing communities with their agriculture challenges. The call center enables farmers in Kenya to call or text with questions and receive an almost instantaneous response in English, Swahili or one of four regional dialects.
From social business Mediae, the subscription service is a relevant solution given the exponential growth in ownership of mobile devices along with less expensive airtime and better network coverage. iShamba is just one 'mAgri' information services being established.
A key strategy to eradicating poverty, addressing food security with agricultural advice could make a big difference.
Mobile Agriculture Services
iShamba Offers Farmers in Developing Areas Agricultural Advice
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Agriculture Services - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Providing Instantaneous agricultural advice to farmers in developing countries through mobile platforms could greatly improve food security.
2. Magri Information Services - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Establishing subscription-based information services for agriculture in developing countries can help address food security issues and eradicate poverty.
3. Use of Cell Phones in Agriculture - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Leveraging the widespread use of cell phones in developing countries to deliver agricultural advice can contribute to improving food security and livelihoods.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Technology - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Developing mobile applications and platforms for agricultural advice can create new business opportunities and revenue streams in the mobile technology industry.
2. Agriculture - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Integrating mobile technology and information services into the agricultural industry can enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
3. Social Business - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Implementing mobile agriculture services can contribute to social business initiatives aimed at improving food security and reducing poverty in developing communities.