App offers hope for farmers in the face of Covid-19

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.

And as the virus spreads locally in Kenya, there are already 172 cases as at April 4, many companies have opted to venture in service deliveries.

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According to new data from app store intelligence firm Apptopia, there is a huge increase in downloaded apps specialising in delivery services globally. 

In Kenya, supermarkets are now offering delivery services and forming partnerships with delivery companies for convenient shopping.

Hope for farmers 

With strict social distancing rule in force, farmers and vendors are likely to face a huge loss since there will be foot traffic to the open-air markets.

Albeit, 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. 

Farmers will be in a position to sell their farm produce to vendors who will later connect with consumers via the app.

“We aim at creating convenience during this dire time and help flatten the Covid-19 curve by encouraging people to stay at home,” said Ms Nelly Lagat, Famobile CEO.

“We also want to make the prices affordable do the end-users and ensure farmers get direct benefits,” she added.

The newly launched service, promises to deliver online purchases within 60 minutes to customers. The produce is fresh and direct from the farms. 

The platform offers convenience to customers during such tough times. The vendor and the farmer are also increasing their sales.

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.

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