Smart Tools *285#

Best Mbegu4u (Best Seed 4 u)*

Dial *284# Select Smart Tools

The Problem

There are many varieties of maize seed available. Most varieties are produced for specific climatic zones. Farmers often grow the wrong seed for their region resulting in poor yields.

The Soultion

The Best Mbegu4u solution leads farmers through a location based search resulting in a response via SMS that indicates the correct maize seed varieties for the farmers specific geographic location.

Best Mbegu4u takes the trial and error out of farming!

Your County Soil Status*

The Problem

Sustainable livestock and crop production depend on healthy soils. Most soils on the African continent are destroyed due to over use. Most farmers are unaware of the quality of their soils and unaware of the imporatance of soil micro biota in keeping soils alive and healthy. Poor quality soils lead to poor quality livestock and livestock products as well as poor quality crops, reduced yields, pests and diseases. This ultimately affects human health as seen on the continent where it is estimated that 30% of the population suffer from stunting due to food related issues, lack of sufficient food as well as nutritionally deficient food.

The Solution

Through a location based search, farmers are able to get vital information on the soil condition in their relative areas. The information they can access includes the soil pH, Total organic carbon, and avaiable nutrients. Farmers are advised on the importance of idividual farm soil testing and connected to soil testing services in their area. The data on soil on the iCow platform is compiled from the Soil suitabiliy evaluation for maize production in Kenya. A  Report  by  National  Accelerated  Agricultural  Inputs  Access  Programme  (NAAIAP)   in  collaboration  with    Kenya  Agricultural  Research  Institute  (KARI) Department  of  Kenya  Soil  Survey,  February  2014

Daktari Wa Mboga (Crop Doctor)*

The Problem

Most farmers do not know the scientific names for crop diseases and thus have problems when looking for inputs and solutions for the same. Many also mistake diseases from nutritional deficinecies as well as pest damage.

The Soultion

For some crops e.g Tomatoes, farmers can make a symptomatic search through the iCow menu. This will help to narrow down the list of possible problems and enable farmers describe the problem they see in a more concise way when  talking to their agro dealer or input supplier.

*This service is only available in Kenya