Female farmers are a driving force behind the LMIC’s economic development, yet they are often marginalized by or left out of agricultural extension services that tend to target men. Innovative applications along the value chain are needed, especially in rural areas, to help female farmer achieve higher agricultural yields, keep value creation local and build sustainable, climate-resilient food systems. The Sprout platform is an open data platform where a wide range of content can be consolidated and shared amongst partners before being distributed to smallholders, where they can use the information to build their capacity and become more resilient.

This session at ICTforAg 2022 co-created by GIZ Sprout shared findings on how digital open content platforms and their constituent partners are grappling with content aggregation, dissemination and customization for targeted groups with a key focus on women small producers in the food system.

Speakers:

• Hileena Eshetu Chole, Knowledge Sharing & Network Building Specialist, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

• Elias Nure, AgriFin Project Management and Regional Technology Expert, Mercy Corps AgriFin Program

• Kristin Peterson, Sr. Tech Consultant/Sprout Product Lead, Mercy Corps Agrifin

• Dr. Boniface Akuku, Director ICT, KALRO

• Sharon Chacha, Program Manager, Food Security for Peace and Nutrition Africa

• Sophie Rottmann, Producer, Shamba Shape Up Kenya, The Mediae Company

• Temesgen Gebeyehu, Director of Digital Agriculture, Ethiopia Agricultural Transformation Agency

• Stewart Collis, Senior Program Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

• Hafsah Jumare, CEO, CoAmana

• Peninah Wanja, Founder and Managing Director, FarmingTech Solutions LTD (DigiCow Dairy)