Left: Farmers from Kiambogo Kianjogu Coop posing for a photo. Right: phone screen of a farmer registered successfully using the USSD short code
The process of upgrading Viazi Soko Digital Platform is now complete. The platform is able to help solve a number of challenges facing potato farmers and others stakeholders in the subsector. Among the services that farmers can access through the new platform include; access to quality farm inputs and services such as certified seeds, potato specific fertilizers, approved agrochemicals, spray services, soil testing and mechanization services, accurate weather forecast, extension and advisory services, pest and disease advisory services and other benefits that will help farmers improve productivity and profitability. The platform exist in three forms; 1) USSD short code services 2) Web-based portal, www.npckviazisoko.com, and 3) Viazi soko Android App downloadable from Google play store.
NPCK has already conducted awareness creation and pretesting of the upgraded Viazi soko platform with four farmer groups; Kiambogo Nianjogu Coop, New Molo Coop, Mau Farmers’ Initiative and Nandi Potato Coop in Nyeri, Nakuru, Narok and Nandi Counties respectively. A total of 59 farmers participated in the pretesting exercise and provided valuable feedback regarding their experience with the platform. The feedback has been used in improving the platform. To register, dial *483*331# on your phone and follow the steps provided.