• By creating a direct link to buyers, the platform seeks to eliminate the need for middlemen, thereby enhancing profitability for farmers.
• In Kenya, some 200,000 farmers have “shops” on Farmbid Africa, where they showcase their products.
Image: HANDOUT
Over the years, Kenyan farmers have suffered at the hands of middlemen.
After a good yield, farmers not well connected in selling their produce have sought the help of middlemen or brokers.
The middlemen act as the link between the farmer and the buyers of the produce.
Brokers often buy their produce at very low prices, especially when a product is in surplus. They also operate like pseudo government by imposing taxes on hapless farmers and end up making a killing as farmers wallow in poverty.
Local firm Farmbid Africa has since come to the aid of farmers; and is keen to empower farmers through digital technology.
Farmbid Africa aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming and the digital economy, allowing farmers to showcase their products in a virtual marketplace.
By creating a direct link to buyers, the platform seeks to eliminate the need for middlemen, thereby enhancing profitability for farmers.
“Brokers have been buying produce at throwaway prices from farmers who cannot access markets. Most farmers have been selling their produce within their localities, but they have a shop with us, they can access far markets,” said Wendy Karambu, the chief communication manager.
Farmbid also has a presence in Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, and Nigeria and hopes to establish itself in every country in Africa.
In Kenya, some 200,000 farmers have “shops” on Farmbid Africa, where they showcase their products.
The platform not only helps reduce post-harvest losses but also addresses various logistical challenges farmers face daily.
With features that allow farmers to set their prices and access multiple monetisation channels, Farmbid empowers them to maximise their earnings.
Additionally, the platform encourages diversification, enabling farmers to explore new agricultural ventures.
“We asked ourselves, how can we make sure farmers have access to the global market? That is why we came up with a platform for farmers to consumers,” Karambu added.
She noted that the platform also hosts experts to talk to farmers virtually.
“We put farmers into groups and then invite experts in various fields to talk to them about best practices and new technologies and varieties,” she said.
Farmers pay to have a shop at Farmbid Africa, which then markets the produce.
Karambu said their biggest challenge is having farmers understand the concept.
She said Farmbid leverages technology to empower grassroots communities.
"We're also creating job opportunities and bridging the gap between traditional and modern farming methods," Karambu noted.