The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) on Tuesday hosted a high-level delegation from the World Bank to assess progress in digital agriculture initiatives aimed at improving services for smallholder farmers across the country.
The delegation, led by Anup Jagwani and accompanied by Samuel Guto, was received at KALRO headquarters by Alice Murage.
During the visit, the team held roundtable discussions with leaders from the One Million Farmers Platform (OMFP), a digital agriculture initiative that brings together agricultural technology firms and service providers supporting smallholder farmers through digital advisory services.
The discussions focused on the progress made by agricultural technology companies, commonly known as AGTECHs, in developing digital solutions for farmers, as well as the challenges affecting the adoption and expansion of the innovations. Stakeholders also explored opportunities for collaboration, particularly in strengthening data management systems and improving access to agricultural information.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Murage underscored KALRO’s commitment to promoting agricultural technologies that enhance productivity and transform farmers’ livelihoods.
“KALRO continues to play a key role in generating and disseminating agricultural technologies and innovations that support food security and improve incomes for farmers,” said Dr. Murage.
She noted that the institution had made significant progress in streamlining agricultural data systems, moving from fragmented platforms to an integrated framework that supports efficient information sharing and service delivery.
“KALRO previously operated with scattered data systems, but we have now managed to integrate our data, making it easier to support digital agriculture initiatives and partnerships,” she added.
The delegation also received a presentation from Victor Langat, who outlined KALRO’s journey in digital transformation and highlighted milestones achieved in digital agriculture.
Langat explained that the organization has invested in digital platforms that support farmers with timely agricultural advisory services, climate information, and market access.
On his part, Jagwani stressed the need for an inclusive digital agriculture ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders, especially smallholder farmers.
“We need to establish systems that are beneficial to every stakeholder within the agricultural value chain,” said Jagwani. “Certifying digital AGTECHS will help create trust and enable them to access reliable data that can improve service delivery to farmers.”
The World Bank delegation later toured the KALRO Data Centre and Call Centre, where they observed how digital technologies are being used to support farmers through real-time information services and technical assistance.
The team also visited exhibition stands mounted by members of the One Million Farmers Platform. Organizations represented included Kuza, Hello Tractor, SunCulture, CropNuts, Amtech, M-Shamba, and DigiCow Africa.
The One Million Farmers Platform is a World Bank-supported initiative implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development through the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) and the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP). The platform seeks to connect farmers with digital services that provide advisory support, financial solutions, market linkages, and data-driven tools to boost agricultural productivity and incomes.
By: Samuel Mwangi
