Telephone Farming in Kenya: Is it Good or Bad?
Telephone Farming in Kenya: Is it Good or Bad?
In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the agricultural landscape of Kenya – telephone farming. This novel approach to farming allows individuals to run and manage their agricultural endeavors remotely, using mobile devices and technology.
While it has garnered attention as a potential solution for urban professionals seeking additional income streams, the concept of telephone farming has also faced criticism and challenges.
The Concept of Telephone Farming
As the name suggests, telephone farming is a practice of managing farms remotely through the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, and various technologies. It has gained popularity among urban professionals, busy individuals, and those outside the country who seek to invest in farming without leaving their current jobs or city residences.
These individuals rely on hired farm managers or farmhands to carry out their day-to-day operations on their farms, while they monitor progress and make decisions via telephone calls and messages.
These individuals rely on hired farm managers or farmhands to carry out the day-to-day operations on their farms, while they monitor progress and make decisions via telephone calls and messages.
The Good Side of Telephone Farming
Flexibility and Convenience
Telephone farming offers the flexibility that people want. Urban professionals and those unable to access the phone regularly can engage in farming activities without compromising their existing careers or lifestyles.
They have the convenience of managing their farms remotely, making it easier to balance their city lives with agricultural pursuits. It’s just a call, a message, and a video call and the farm is running.
Access to Information and Expertise
Since they are farming remotely, farmers have access to a wealth of information and expertise through digital platforms and agricultural apps like Frutunda Care.
They gather insights on market trends, crop selection, and farming techniques to assist farm managers in making informed decisions and turning their farms into successful investments.
Potential for Increased Productivity
Through the utilization of technology and managing multiple streams of revenue, farmers can enhance productivity without compromising their careers.
Since they are still engaging in their careers, telephone farmers have the resources to run their farms without extreme strain. They depend on the information from the managers to make timely interventions, optimize resource allocation, and maximize yields. For instance, farmhands inform their farmer they have a thrips issue, the farmers send ‘Profile’ insecticide or cash, and the crops are sprayed. That way, they have a thriving farm.
What is the downside of telephone farming
Lack of Physical Presence and Supervision
Not everyone can be trusted. Farming in the absence of the farmer from the actual farm can lead to a lack of supervision and control over critical farm operations. In situations where farmhands lack the necessary skills and experience, the overall productivity and efficiency may suffer.
Issues like improper application of inputs, delayed decision-making, and suboptimal pest and disease management can arise.
Limited Farmer-Farm Relationship
Telephone farming may hinder the development of a strong relationship between the farmer and the land.
Farming is not just a business; it is a deeply rooted connection to the land and the natural cycles of agriculture. By relying solely on remote communication, telephone farmers may miss out on the intimate understanding and connection that comes from physically working on the farm.
The lack of connection can impact decision-making, empathy towards workers, and the overall success of the farming enterprise.
Vulnerability to Mismanagement and Fraud
As we said, not anyone can be trusted. We have seen cases where farmhands ask for money for pesticides, use them for their personal needs, and end up spraying plain cold water on the plants. Pests come and the effects are devastating. Diseases ruin the entire investment. Pretty sad, right?
The remote nature of telephone farming exposes farmers to the risk of mismanagement and fraudulent activities. Without regular physical presence, farmers may find it challenging to monitor the use of resources, ensure proper accounting, and prevent theft or misuse of funds.
“Utaoshwa”
The reliance on intermediaries, such as farm managers or farmhands, introduces the possibility of collusion, misinformation, and dishonest practices. This vulnerability can lead to financial losses and undermine the trust and profitability of the farming venture.
Limited Capacity for Adaptation and Resilience
Agriculture is inherently dynamic, with uncertainties arising from weather patterns, market fluctuations, and evolving farming practices.
Telephone farmers may face challenges in adapting to these changing circumstances due to their limited physical presence on the farm. Rapid decision-making, timely adjustments to farming practices, and quick responses to emerging issues become more difficult when relying solely on remote communication.
Mitigating the Challenges of Telephone Farming
While telephone farming presents unique challenges, some strategies can be employed to mitigate these issues and increase the chances of success.
Proper farm management. As a remote farmer, you need to invest in proper farm management. Appoint competent people that you can trust. Also, follow each step in the farm to the latter and make timely visits.
Leverage technology. You can invest in remote monitoring systems like cameras to get real-time information. However, this will only be possible if you are farming on your land. Ask for pictures regularly and follow each step.