Tanzania has taken a notable step in its digital transformation journey with the launch of e-Kilimo, a platform aimed at modernizing the country’s agriculture sector. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economy, contributing 23% to the national GDP and employing nearly two-thirds of the population. The platform was officially unveiled by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe on July 16 at the Mtanana Agricultural Innovation Center.
The primary objective of e-Kilimo is to provide farmers, particularly those in remote areas, with expert technical support. The system, which is also accessible via a mobile app, allows farmers to connect with extension agents in their vicinity, offering them direct access to tailored advice. This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen the country’s agricultural services, aiming to improve productivity, refine planning processes, and create a more responsive public sector.
Moreover, the platform serves as a registry for input suppliers, enabling authorities to track the distribution of agricultural products and combat the issue of counterfeit goods. It also enhances the accountability of extension officers through an annual performance evaluation system. Authorities can assess service delivery and address underperformance through mandatory feedback forms.
With a budget of $3 million, the program is funded by the European Union and jointly managed by the Tanzanian government and the United Nations. It is part of a broader agenda to digitize the agriculture industry, which includes mobile-based market access, digital skills training, and the implementation of real-time data collection tools.
However, the rollout of e-Kilimo faces a considerable challenge: limited internet and smartphone access in rural regions. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 31.9% of Tanzanians are online, meaning the majority of the population remains offline. This digital divide poses a barrier to the platform’s widespread adoption, especially given that over 75% of Tanzania’s population resides in rural areas where farming is crucial to their livelihoods, according to the FAO.
Despite these challenges, Tanzanian officials are optimistic that e-Kilimo can bridge the gap in providing timely technical advice to farmers. By distributing best practices more effectively, improving resource allocation, and enhancing the focus of interventions, the platform has the potential to revolutionize agricultural services.
The implications of this initiative are significant. If successful, e-Kilimo could inspire other nations in the region to adopt similar digital tools to support their agricultural sectors. It could also lead to increased productivity and improved livelihoods for farmers, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country. However, addressing the digital divide will be crucial to ensuring the platform’s success and widespread adoption.
Challenges ahead
The journey ahead for e-Kilimo is not without obstacles. The digital divide in Tanzania is a significant hurdle, with limited internet and smartphone access in rural areas. According to the ITU, only 31.9% of Tanzanians are online, and the majority of the population resides in rural areas where farming is a crucial livelihood. This could limit the platform’s reach and impact, making it essential for the government to address these connectivity issues to ensure the success of e-Kilimo.