The Sugar Directorate has launched a Sh1 million technology that aims to get rid of cartels in the industry and bridge gaps in quality sugarcane production.
Through the Miwa Bora app, cane growers will access approved and localised information conveniently from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro) and Sugar Research Institute using their mobile handsets.
Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director-General Kello Harsama said the move is part of the government’s initiative to restore confidence among farmers who had abandoned the production of the cash crop.
“Through the application, farmers will be able to make requests to extension officers in real time, giving stakeholders the assurance that the miller and the Sugar Directorate have received a request and will offer consistent and prompt support in the response to farmers’ request,” he said.
He pointed out that the Miwa Bora app will plug in on the low number of extension officers in the country, which is way below the recommended ratio of extension officers to farmers that currently stands at 1:3,760 instead of the recommended 1:400.
“Many farmers can now access accurate information about growing their crops at their convenience,” he said.
Mr Harsama noted that the app has been developed in line with findings from the 2020 Sugar Industry Stakeholders Task Force Report, which recommends practical strategies to revitalise the industry.
The mobile application will enable the transfer of farming technical know-how and trends including up-to-date content on sugarcane varieties, agronomic packages, value addition opportunities in the sugar industry as well as market information, technology and innovation.
It will also provide customised support solutions to ensure farmers receive localised content based on their region-specific sugarcane varieties.
“This newly developed mobile app will relinquish the manual process of information management, streamline stakeholders service management and solve complex issues in a prompt and professional manner,” said the AFA interim boss.
In line with the government’s digital transformation agenda, Sugar Directorate head Willis Audi said Miwa Bora app will support over 8.5 million livelihoods, including the small scale farmers, factory workers, transporters and traders.
“As an important information tool, the Miwa Bora app will play a big role in disseminating information at all levels of sugar processing.
“This application is intended to aid our stakeholders in enhancing productivity and profitability in the sugar agribusiness,” said Mr Audi.
The sugar industry contributes to food security, employment creation by providing direct and indirect employment to 500,000 workers, regional development and improved livelihoods.
The industry relies on approximately 270,000 small-scale sugarcane farmers spread across 14 counties including Bungoma, Busia, Kwale, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Siaya, Kisii, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega, Kericho, Nandi and Narok.
