Solidaridad Ghana has joined forces with Viamo, a digital commerce and tech-solution agency, to introduce customized solutions to farmers and miners as part of its Acting Now and Pathway to Prosperity (P2P) programs.
This collaboration underscores Solidaridad's ongoing commitment to leveraging digital technology to enhance service delivery to farmers and help them adopt digital tools to improve their farming practices and operations.
According to a statement issued in Accra by Solidaridad Ghana, the partnership aims to extend the organization's reach and impact, particularly in remote areas where access to information and resources may be limited. The initiative is expected to benefit 80,000 farmers and miners.
Viamo will provide services such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, enabling farmers with basic mobile phones to access timely information necessary for sustainable cultivation and responsible mining. The IVR system will deliver pre-recorded messages in local languages, guiding farmers and miners through the cultivation and mining processes. It will also conduct surveys to measure the adoption of best practices.
This solution will be particularly beneficial for farmers and miners in remote areas with poor road networks, enabling them to fully utilize Solidaridad's advisory services through technology. Compared to face-to-face approaches, the IVR system allows for more frequent delivery of extension services, overcoming constraints posed by poor accessibility.
In addition to the IVR system, urban home farmers will benefit from a chatbot integration with WhatsApp, providing instant responses and answers to their queries.
Farmers and miners enrolled in the Acting Now and Pathways to Prosperity program will also receive SMS campaigns with daily tips on agronomic practices and responsible mining. These campaigns enable Solidaridad to send targeted messages tailored to specific groups based on their needs and location.
Mr. Bossman Owusu, Country Representative for Solidaridad Ghana, emphasized the organization's commitment to harnessing technology for the benefit of farmers and miners. He highlighted the empowering effect of digital solutions in expanding outreach and providing farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
Mr. John Spio Ashun, Full Stack Engineer for Solidaridad Ghana, underscored the importance of innovative solutions in enabling farmers to make informed decisions and adopt best practices, ultimately leading to improved livelihoods and food security.
The partnership between Solidaridad and Viamo reflects the growing significance of technology in agricultural and mining landscapes. By embracing digital solutions, farmers and miners can overcome geographical barriers and gain access to vital information, fostering sustainable and inclusive development in their communities.