Empowering Smallholders and Local Food Markets with Smartphones and Social Networks

Abstract

In low income countries, a large majority of the population depends on smallholder farming for their livelihoods and well-being. However, smallholders face significant challenges, often due to a lack of access to information about prices and markets. This paper describes ongoing work on a methodological approach for addressing these challenges through the use of an Android-based mobile-cellular platform application. Using a social networking approach, the application enables smallholders to interact with traders, retailers, consumers, and each other in such a way as to encourage the emergence of sustainable and fair regional markets. It will increase profitability by providing information on price and demand, and enable better cooperation and knowledge-sharing between farmers. This may not only improve yields, but also increase diversity in agricultural products produced: farmers can better adapt to changing climatic conditions and be less vulnerable to volatile commodity prices.