Reaching Farmers Beyond the Digital Divide
Our journey to Mbarara revealed a critical challenge: the farmers who need our help most don't have access to the internet or smartphones
During our field research in Mbarara, Uganda, we conducted extensive interviews with smallholder farmers to understand their needs and technology access. What we found was both eye-opening and sobering.
Despite our sophisticated machine learning models and climate prediction systems, the majority of farmers we interviewed faced a fundamental barrier: they had no access to the internet or smartphones.
Key Findings:
- •Limited or no internet connectivity in rural farming communities
- •Majority of farmers use basic feature phones, not smartphones
- •High cost of data and smartphones remains prohibitive
- •Low digital literacy even among those with phone access
This discovery led us to pivot our approach. We realized that to truly serve smallholder farmers, we needed to meet them where they are—with the technology they already have.
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) technology emerged as the perfect solution. It works on any mobile phone, requires no internet connection, and is already familiar to farmers through mobile money services.
Why USSD?
- ✓Works on any feature phone or smartphone
- ✓No internet connection required
- ✓Instant, real-time information delivery
- ✓Familiar interface (similar to mobile money)
- ✓Low cost and widely available
What We're Building
Real-time weather forecasts, rainfall predictions, and climate advisories delivered via USSD to help farmers plan their activities
Personalized planting recommendations, pest alerts, and harvest timing guidance based on local conditions
Current crop prices, market locations, and buyer contacts to help farmers get fair value for their produce
Regional food security status and early warning alerts for potential shortages or climate risks
Climate-smart farming techniques, soil management tips, and sustainable agriculture practices
Quick access to agricultural extension services, emergency contacts, and disaster response information
Our Vision for Impact
By leveraging USSD and feature phone technology, we aim to democratize access to agricultural intelligence. Every farmer, regardless of their economic status or location, deserves access to the insights that can improve their yields, protect their livelihoods, and enhance food security.