A new technology that would benefit private fertilizer traders in Rwanda is currently being extended nationwide and across sectors. The technology will lead to the development of efficient and competitive fertilizer procurement and distribution systems.
The nationwide deployment is supported with funding from the USAID. The innovation was introduced in March 2013, to help importers, distributors and retailers of fertilizers to monitor and manage trade and sales.
It uses smartphones loaded with the mFarms application. Agro-dealers can to record all supplies bought from distributors and all sales to customers and calculate their remaining stocks.
The technology was piloted among 49 agro dealers in three districts of Eastern Province, which are Rwamagana, Kayonza and Gatsibo and three districts of Western Province; Ngororero, Rubavu and Nyabihu.
With this application, an agro dealer will be able to deliver daily reports to the Ministry of Agriculture on things to do with fertilisers.
Claudine Mushimiyimana, an agro-business dealer from Kayonza District who has used the application since its introduction last year, said mFarms technology has helped her to reduce losses by 50 per cent.
“I am now also able to supply fertilisers to farmers on time since I can easily access my records. It is easy to process the information and submit my report to the Agriculture ministry on time,” she noted.
The Director General of Planning at the Agriculture ministry, Raphael Rurangwa, said the project is part of wider efforts to further develop farming business.
“This is another step forward for our problem-solving process in agricultural sector. These agribusiness dealers are becoming independent and good partners instead of always depending on the ministry. They can now order for fertilisers from the comfort of their homes without coming to the central distribution office in Kigali,” he said.
The representative of IFDC, Martin Drevon, said the project had been rolled out countrywide after successful pilot study.
“IFDC is happy to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to increase agricultural production through information technology. We are sure this project’s results will positively impact the sector,” he said.
