SAFARICOM DIGIFARM WINS GLOBAL MOBILE AWARD

SAFARICOM DIGIFARM WINS GLOBAL MOBILE AWARD

By Wangechi Wahome

Safaricom’s DigiFarm platform won the Best

Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets in this

year’s Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO).

The platform provides smallholder farmers with

convenient access to a variety of services,

including discounted inputs, financing and

advice on best farming practice, all from a 2G

enabled mobile phone.

DigiFarm which was created through a

partnership with mobile solutions provider,

Mezzanine, offers an easy-to-use, text-based

service to Kenya’s smallholder farmers.

Farmers register on the platform and record

details about the size of their farms and the

nature of their farming activities This

information is then used to ensure that farmers

receive support relevant to their specific

farming activities.

Once registered on the platform, farmers have

access via mobile phone to a host of

agricultural and financial services that the

ecosystem offers.

“This recognition is a true reflection of our

dedication to our Transforming Lives purpose.

We are constantly finding ways to leverage the

power of mobile technology to solve the

challenges that communities face every day.

Through DigiFarm we want to empower millions

of smallholder farmers by giving them the right

tools for economic growth, said Michael

Joseph, CEO, Safaricom

Over 1 million farmers have subscribed to the

platform with more than 300,000 of whom are

30-day active customers.

DigiFarm has also opened 144 depots around

the country to enable farmer’s access to quality

inputs.

To ensure the farmers get all the necessary

support, Safaricom has partnered with iProcure

to guarantee access to high quality inputs,

FarmDrive to provide affordable credit and

Arifu, content partner through whom farmers

have access to relevant information.

According to the judges Digifarm was

recognised for demonstrating very impressive

collaboration between stakeholders,

demonstrating how relatively simple and, by

today’s standard, ‘old’ technology can be used

to improve the lives of millions.

Safaricom was also among 4 winners in the

outstanding achievement category where the

Telco was recognized for its outstanding

contribution to the mobile industry.

In April 2018, DigiFarm emerged winner of the

developing world technology category in Fast

Company‘s 2018 World Changing Ideas Awards

and was also recognised as the most

innovative service at the inaugural East Africa

Com Awards and emerged top of the Shared

Value Category in the Loeries Awards held in

Durban, South Africa.

The platform was also recognised as best

digital agricultural platform in the Digital

Inclusions Awards.