African agriculture has been dominated by subsistence farming, however, as global food demand continues to rise there's a shift towards commercial farming. This transformation is driven by the realization that Africa holds the key to ensuring global food security, with 60% of the world's remaining arable land located on the continent.

Data is a necessary tool for African commercial farmers because, in its various forms, it provides insights into agricultural practices, market trends, and weather conditions, empowering farmers to make informed decisions that maximize their returns. By leveraging data, African farmers can increase productivity, reduce risk, and gain access to new market opportunities, enabling them to play a pivotal role in feeding the world's growing population.

The Potential of Data-Driven Agriculture. The Earthworm Test: A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem

Farmers often seek guidance on improving their practices and soil health, and soil testing is a common topic of inquiry. Current soil testing methods often involve sending samples to laboratories for analysis, a process that can be time-consuming and costly.

My father, a farmer with a 400-acre crop farm, shared with me a simple yet effective soil testing method that has proven beneficial in his years of experience - the earthworm test. He explained that the presence of earthworms is a clear indication of healthy soil, as these creatures thrive in environments with adequate organic matter, moisture, and aeration.

This simple soil testing method, discovered through his reading of articles on the internet, highlights the value of integrating practical, data-driven approaches into agricultural practices. By adopting such processes, farmers can make informed decisions about soil management, saving time and resources while ensuring the long-term fertility of their land.

Harnessing Data for Resilient and Profitable Agriculture

The recent dry season has shown the vulnerabilities of rain-fed agriculture, with many farmers suffering devastating crop losses.

One promising solution lies in providing timely and accurate weather information to farmers. By understanding weather patterns and forecasts, farmers can make informed decisions about planting schedules, crop selection, and water management strategies, enabling them to adapt to changing conditions and minimize losses.

To address this need, we developed a mobile weather information service that is accessible to farmers across the country (Uganda), regardless of their phone type. This service provides real-time weather updates and forecasts, empowering farmers to make proactive decisions that protect their crops and livelihoods.

The value of data extends beyond weather information. By establishing a market price database, farmers can access up-to-date information on current market prices for their produce. This eliminates the need for time-consuming and costly manual inquiries, enabling farmers to negotiate easily with middlemen/buyers.

Without this knowledge, farmers risk selling their produce at a loss, risking their financial stability making it hard to invest in the next season.

Empowering Farmers: Breaking the Cycle of Reliance on Middlemen

The lack of access to accurate market price information often forces farmers to accept whatever price is offered by middlemen, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and limiting their potential earnings.

While it's easy to blame middlemen for taking advantage of farmers' lack of information, it's important to recognize that this issue is deeply rooted in the broader context of market dynamics and power imbalances. Middlemen, as business actors, are driven by profit maximization, and they will naturally exploit situations where they hold an information advantage.

The sustainable solution to this issue lies in empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their produce pricing. By providing farmers with access to real-time market price data, we can level the playing field and enable them to negotiate effectively with middlemen.

Need-based pricing

The need-based decision-making often attributed to farmers selling food at low prices is a symptom of desperation and limited options. When farmers are faced with immediate financial needs like school fees, and medical bills, they may prioritize selling their produce quickly, even at lower prices, to address those needs.

This behavior doesn't affect only farmers; it is a common human response to financial constraints. However, in the context of agriculture, the lack of access to market information and the power imbalance with middlemen make this issue worse, leaving farmers particularly vulnerable.

The solution is to create a transparent market environment where we can ensure that farmers are fairly compensated for their hard work and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector.

The Financial Backbone of Commercial Agriculture: Why Farmers Need to Track Money

A farmer said to me,

"Ise, nabukubo enga uhumba pressure, Nabiha records mu kitabo, imbuka iye hukulisa, nga ebeyi ndini nabi, inyala hu funa tsinusu esi narambisa hu byala ta. kumwoyo kwenga hu haliha. Million musanvu tsatya mu loss. Uwhama lwo, Ari imbyala busa nga bilyo byastowele, nakulisa, tsesifunamu, efayo ta."

This makes sense, farmers prioritize the satisfaction of growing and harvesting food over tracking their finances because realizing you've made a loss after a hectic growing season is demoralizing. While this sentiment is understandable, given the noble nature of farming and the emotional connection that farmers have with their land and crops, it highlights a critical aspect of commercial agriculture that often goes overlooked: financial management. For farmers to successfully practice commercial agriculture, sound financial management practices are essential. Tracking expenses allows farmers to identify areas where they can improve their operations and reduce costs. This data-driven approach can lead to significant savings, ultimately improving profit margins and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their farms.

The shift to data-driven agriculture in Africa is a transformative journey. From the earthworm test to real-time market data, information is reshaping farming. This shift not only secures livelihoods but also fosters a resilient agricultural sector crucial for global food security.

Resources

How market information is vital for making decisions in agribusiness

Farm Record Keeping

New Test for Biological Soil Health - Our Land & Water - Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai

Earthworms can be an indicator of soil health

Published: 10 Nov, 2023