Farmers to access markets via social media

As the need to link the rural folk to the global market via the latest ICT applications grows, Rwandan farmers are set to enjoy the benefits of social media through Web2.0 technologies, a web application that eases access, publication and information sharing. The project, which was initiated by Rwanda Telecenter Network, seeks to shift physical markets to online markets to be controlled and managed by farmers themselves through groupings. “Web 2.0 technologies are even supported on mobile phones which make it easier to access…at a convenient time,” said Nicholas Kimolo, a Senior web 2.0 technologies Consultant and Managing Director at Fu Turistic, a Kenyan based IT firm. He noted that the technology uses hikis, blogs, micro blogs, social media sites such as facebook, twitter, skype, online maps, internet telephony and google collaboration tools which gives users easyaccess to sites. The technology will also facilitate farmers to interact via their cell phones, he said, adding that farmers can form or join groups where they will be able to share information and interact using the mentioned tools. Francois Niyonzima, a farmer in the East Province said sharing information via Short Message Service (SMS) through E-Soko— a government initiated electronic platform that provides farmers, consumers and traders with current information on commodity prices—helped him to improve his business. “It has been easier for me to keep my businesses going and also be able to share any information with my fellow farmers which I search and post on our social media group on internet in our local language,” he said. Moreover, the rollout of web2.0 technologies is seen as buoyant move that will also tackle illiteracy within farmers and also bolster the agricultural sector as the economy’s backbone. According to official figures, agriculture employs 80 per cent of households in the country. The sector also accounts for 34 per cent of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with 80 per cent of the country’s Forex revenue earnings. “The web2.0 will enable actors from different sectors to be able to make available content on internet in our local language,” Paul Burera, the Executive Director Rwandan Tele-center network told Business Times. “We have been depending on content from abroad,” he said, adding that lack of local content is undermining current strides in building ICT infrastructure and making the county an ICT hub in theregion. “If we could have many people trained in this they can create content and be able to translate others for our local people.” The training is being carried out by Rwanda Telecenter in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to help promote the technology in rural areas. Barera also added that plans to set up 1,000 telecentres countrywide which will help rural areas access services ranging from ICT, banking, government services among others are under way. This seems to be ambiguous but very feasible because telecentres will be business oriented and we are working with local investors to set up these centers.” Ends