Digital application comes to the aid of farmers during COVID-19

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Covid-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide. Most have been asked to stay indoors to curb the spread of the highly-contagious disease. This is as some 208 countries have reported positive cases globally with more than 69000 deaths.

In Kenya, for instance, there are already 172 cases as at April 4, many companies have opted to venture in service deliveries. According to new data from app store intelligence firm Apptopia, there is a huge increase in downloaded apps specializing in delivery services globally. Supermarkets across the country are now offering delivery services and forming partnerships with delivery companies for convenient shopping.

Hope for farmers

The strict social distancing rule in force are likely to cause losses for farmers and vendors since there will be foot traffic to the open-air markets. However, there is hope for farmers as one tech start-up, Famobile, operating in Nairobi, is providing solutions for them to instantly access urban markets.

The company has developed an innovative e-commerce platform that links farmers to vendors and vendor to customers. This will enable farmers to sell their farm produce to vendors who will later connect with consumers via the app.

Famobile CEO Nelly Lagat said that the company aims at creating convenience during this dire time and help flatten the Covid-19 curve by encouraging people to stay at home. She further added that they are looking to make prices affordable to the end-users and ensure farmers get direct benefits.

The newly launched service, promises to deliver online purchases within 60 minutes to customers. The produce is fresh and direct from the farms. This comes as a glimmer of hope to farmers who were starting to worry over food wastage due to lack of market access. Famobile is currently on boarding farmers across Kenya to supply their farm produce through the App where consumers can purchase the desired goods to be delivered to their doorstep.