Google injects Sh.100m into farm digitisation in Kenya

Kirjoittanut Rawlexx79

 

Tech firm Google has recently pledged a Sh.100 million grant for training Kenyan farmers on digitisation, and how to leverage technology for increased earnings.

The training in partnership with non-profit organisation One Acre Fund, is expected to reach more than 100,000 smallholder farmers across the country – equipping them with requisite skills for digitising their agribusiness operations.

Growers in low-income and rural parts of the country will benefit from the grant and training that takes effect over the next one year.

“In Kenya, the agriculture sector employs over 40% of the total population, contributing to 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We want to see the power of technology elevate small-scale farming. We hope that through this initiative, we will see a positive impact on food security, job creation and GDP growth in Kenya,” said Charles Murito, Google Kenya country manager.

This is in line with the “Grow with Google” initiatives by the tech firm that have seen the company invest in training and development programmes in the country and continent – through grants and funding.

“With greater access to technology and training, farmers can make their land more productive,” said Matthew Forti, managing director of One Acre Fund.

According to Google, as of today, in Kenya, it has trained over 200,000 job seekers and over 400,000 businesses on various digital skills relevant to their career goals and business needs.

 

Source: African Strategic-Ventures (ASV) & The Exchange.