A new mobile platform promises to improve yields for farmers across Africa by providing them with a tool set, database and access to the latest market information.
Developed by Imperial Logistics company Resolve, uLima provides these famers with access to information on crops, seed, soil, livestock, agri-chemicals, weather updates and market prices, all at their fingertips.
“uLima allows for ease of reference to best practice methodology,” said Imperial Logistics chief strategy officer, Cobus Rossouw. “One of its key features is a tailor-made solution for each farmer in terms of crop calendars, which offers step-by-step assistance from pre-planting to post-harvest.”
Africa, despite having vast tracts of land that are available for agricultural usage, remains a net importer of food. “This concern needs to be addressed, and the ability of our farmers to increase their yield is a step in the right direction,” said Sunesh Bhoola, CEO of uLima, who commissioned the development of the app after his organisation recognised the importance of improved yields for farmers.
“Not only do improved yields mean that farmers can provide for their own families and communities better, but the growing demand for food across the continent means that output needs to increase.”
uLima is available for free download via the Google, iOS and Microsoft app stores, and for non-smartphone users, via USSD. It’s also available via a webpage.
Users have immediate access to crop libraries, livestock libraries, real-time localised weather information with weather alerts, and the latest market price information by crop, grade and country. An added key feature is the access to tailor-made crop calendars and smallholder farmer forums that allow for shared learning across various crop categories.
“uLima will optimise farming potential. We are providing farmers with all the information they require on a ‘one-stop shop’ platform that we hope will drive efficiency and improve yields, and in so doing, improve farmer livelihoods,” said Bhoola.