Global Roots
Small Scale Farms
Global Roots and Till Mobile Partnership: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers
In 2008, Global Roots launched a food-growing project in Mtito Andei, Kenya, aimed at providing nutritious meals for HIV-positive children. The success of this initiative led to the establishment of a school-wide lunch program, which significantly improved student attendance and academic performance.
However, despite these gains, many children faced barriers to continuing their education due to their families’ insufficient income from farming. Additionally, large industrial farms posed a threat to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and the local environment.
Objective
The goal of the partnership between Global Roots and Till Mobile was to empower small-scale farmers through technology. By using SMS technology, the initiative sought to enhance farmers’ economic prospects and strengthen local biodiversity, ultimately
improving food security and financial stability.
Key Steps Completed
- Challenge identification: many small-scale farmers struggled with income insufficiency due to competition from large industrial farms and inadequate market access.
- Solution development: Ted Michon of Till Mobile proposed an SMS-based system to streamline produce sales. This system enabled efficient coordination of produce collection and direct payments.
- Launch: the “Small Scale Farms” initiative was launched after extensive development and field research. It first took root in Kisii, Kenya, and achieved its first produce collection on July 4th, 2019.
Implementation and Impact
The initiative has made significant strides in supporting small-scale farmers by providing them with better market access and increasing their income. The program aims to support over 100 million sub-Saharan smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
Future Vision
The partnership between Global Roots and Till Mobile envisions a future where small-scale farmers can compete on a global scale while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices. This collaboration promises a brighter, more sustainable future for both farmers and the environment.
Posted: July 17, 2019
Updated: August 1, 2024
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