In a world that is becoming increasingly food-insecure, due to population growth, climate change, volatile food prices, unequal food access, and inefficient supply chains, what solutions exist to feed 9 billion people by the year 2050?
The problem we face is by its nature very complicated, so it stands to reason that solutions will need to address a range of issues, often several at once. Where do we begin?
In the past few years, we have been experiencing droughts, floods, conflict, and displacement hurt harvests and weakened food output. This has proven that in order to end the world hunger, breeding drought-resistant corn is not the solution, but having a plan for when the corn fails anyway.
When we farmers and business owners in Kenya see rain clouds, we see rows of productive crops, food for their community, and the path to prosperity.
But do we ever have a plan B just in case the rain fails? No, we cry of hunger as we wait for the next season several months after. These days, rain clouds are becoming increasingly rare. Climate change is becoming real.
How can we face climate change? Tech has got us farmers covered; now, with the use of mobile applications, farmers can understand what to grow, and how the weather is set to behave by just a tap. Farmer is even able to test his/her soil and other critical programs for optimizing crop management.
With the readiness, the farmer will always be able to increase yields, buy livestock, and have insurance covers just if the crops fail. Understanding the type of fertilizers to use, and the seeds to plants are key before the season starts.
In some parts like North of the country, farming has proven itself difficult. With the help of technology and financial empowerment by the government, these areas can be Kenya’s food basket due to the availability of land for agriculture, hot climates, and less population.
It is crystal clear that technology can and has driven greater engagement in agriculture from women and young people and support employment opportunities along the agricultural value chain and help build resilience to climate change.
Some of the other hurdles that technology has helped our farmers in solving include postharvest handling, accessing markets, finance accessibility, and supply chain management to achieve more significant income for smallholder farmers, improving food and nutrition security, and building climate resilience and expanding inclusion of youth and women.
Did you know that smartphone penetration and the high rate of digital innovations in the country have seen Kenya ranked the leading country in the use of technology in agriculture across the continent? Yes! So what’s hindering our people from being free from hunger?
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