A Mechanism to Discover Hidden Markets and to Improve Information Flow Towards Food Producers: A Case of Kiambu District, Kenya
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Date
2012
Authors
Nyaga, Elizabeth Kabura
Muriithi, Anthony Gikandi
Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tropentag
Abstract
Food insecurity in many regions in Kenya is mainly attributed to changes in rainfall
patterns, lack of markets to sell agricultural produce from regions with surplus and poor
infrastructure to distribute to regions facing deficits. Small scale farmers are in desperate
need of markets to sell their produce at a good price. They require information on credit
and input markets. This paper discusses the methodologies to improve farmers’ access to
these markets and enhance access to relevant information that they may find useful in
making decisions. The study argues that providing a platform for farmers to interact and
transact business directly with buyers, sellers, researchers and other relevant stakeholders
in agribusiness would provide market for the farmers. This interaction may facilitate exchange
and dissemination of update information on changes in the markets and, changes in
consumer needs and taste. Many studies have shown that networking among individual or
groups either in social or professional networks may help in development of the members.
This paper argues that providing farmers and agricultural extension agents with access
to current information and communication technologies (ICT) could be instrumental in
finding new markets for the farmers and in dissemination of relevant information. By facilitating
the agricultural extension agents to have access to internet, mobile phone and rural
radio, hidden markets can be discovered and new information and technology can reach
the farmers before they become obsolete. Many businesses have grown through advertising
their products online. A national website managed by extension agents can help farmers
advertise their produce so that anyone willing to buy can contact the farmer directly. Agricultural
based businesses can also advertise their products in the website. Consumers can
use the website to buy fresh produce directly from the farmers. Although internet is not
available to most households in Kenya, agricultural extension agents can post information
of buyers and sellers in village boards and in the market place. This paper discusses how
ICT can be implemental in finding new markets and reducing food insecurity in Kenya
Description
A Conference Presentation
Keywords
Extension, Food insecurity, ICT, Kenya
Citation
Tropentag, September 19-21, 2012, G¨ottingen - Kassel/Witzenhausen