The Problem: Limited Support for Smallholder Farmers
Sriram opens his talk by highlighting a startling statistic: the average Kenyan farmer is 65 years old, while the average Kenyan is only 19. Despite the critical role of these farmers, many lack access to quality inputs, reliable credit, and markets. Government extension services—intended to support these farmers—are often stretched thin, with one officer serving up to 3,500 farmers. As a result, farmers are trapped in a cycle of low productivity, high post-harvest losses, and limited growth opportunities.
Kuza’s Solution: Agripreneurs and Microlearning
In response to these challenges, Kuza is empowering rural youth to become agripreneurs, creating a network of local agricultural entrepreneurs who provide essential services to farmers. These agripreneurs undergo training and are equipped with microlearning tools—short, bite-sized videos on agronomy, business skills, and more. Delivered through portable projectors and offline-capable devices, this content allows agripreneurs to provide on-demand support to farmers, regardless of connectivity.
Innovative Tools for Empowerment
One of Kuza’s signature tools is a micro projector loaded with over 10,000 three-minute agronomy videos, covering topics in local languages and tailored to farmers’ needs. Agripreneurs use these devices, along with customized backpacks, to bring practical, timely knowledge directly to the fields. This innovative approach democratizes knowledge, allowing farmers in remote areas to learn about pest control, crop management, and climate-smart practices in real-time.
Building a Network for Sustainable Growth
As agripreneurs expand their reach, they connect farmers to essential resources, including bio-fertilizers, tractor services, and input supplies. This “network effect” has led to the creation of localized ecosystems, where agripreneurs specialize in different services and work together to support entire communities. The Kuza model fosters economic activity and builds trust, with agripreneurs serving as reliable agents who understand the language and context of their communities.
Impact and Insights
Sriram shares remarkable results from a recent World Bank evaluation: 65% of Kuza’s farmers are women, 73% are accessing a product or service for the first time, and over 60% report increased productivity. Women farmers, in particular, have reduced household debt by 80% and increased savings. With over 5,000 agripreneurs now serving 1.2 million farmers across Africa and Asia, Kuza is demonstrating the transformative power of rural entrepreneurship.
