Author: Fiona Makayoto and Samwel Oriwo
Across the counties of Kakamega, Siaya, and Bungoma, a notable shift is taking place within the farming community. Smallholder farmers who previously had limited exposure to digital technologies are now actively applying new tools and knowledge to enhance their agricultural practices and improve their livelihoods. This progress is the result of a collaborative effort between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Green Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH), implemented under the Sustainable Food Systems Project.
To support this transformation, KALRO and gDIH developed and delivered a tailored one-day training program aimed at equipping farmers with practical digital skills. The sessions were conducted in-person, focusing on simplicity, relevance and immediate application. A total of 750 local trainers were first trained and then supported to train over 6,000 farmers across the three counties. These sessions introduced farmers to mobile-based tools for weather monitoring, crop and livestock management, market access and climate-smart agriculture.
Women represented more than 70 percent of the training participants, demonstrating strong engagement and leadership in adopting digital tools. Youth participation was also encouraging, with 32 percent of trainees aged between 18 and 35 years, reflecting a growing interest among younger generations when provided with appropriate support and accessible technology.
Prior to the training, many participants had never used digital platforms in their farming activities. Today, nearly 70 percent of those trained report daily use of digital tools. Applications such as the Kenya Agriculture Observatory Platform (KAOP) and Kilimo Pesa have become instrumental in providing weather forecasts, pest and disease management advice, soil health information, and market pricing which are all accessible via mobile phones. These tools have proved especially valuable in areas with limited broadband connectivity, where mobile data is the primary mode of internet access.
The project adopted a community-based cascade training model that empowered local trainers to serve as ongoing resources within their networks. This approach fostered trust and helped ensure that digital literacy was integrated into daily farming routines. While the majority of trainees are now using digital tools confidently, a small proportion remains unconnected, indicating continued demand for outreach and inclusion.
Feedback from participants revealed strong interest in further learning opportunities. Most farmers expressed a preference for brief, practical sessions held in the morning, with in-person workshops remaining the most popular delivery format. Mobile-based learning is also gaining traction, particularly when content is delivered in English, Swahili or local languages.
Despite the progress made, challenges persist. Farmers cited the cost of internet data, inconsistent network coverage, and limited access to smartphones as barriers to full adoption. Additionally, there is a growing need for continued training in record-keeping, digital marketing, financial tools, and deeper integration of technology in sustainable farming practices.
One of the most significant outcomes of the training has been the increased uptake of climate-smart practices. Many farmers have implemented improved pest management, crop rotation and soil conservation strategies. However, only a small number are currently using digital tools to support these practices, suggesting opportunities to scale up digital integration in climate-resilient agriculture.
Digital platforms such as KAOP, Kilimo Pesa, and the KALRO Selector are now part of everyday life for many farmers. Their functionality in low-connectivity environments and availability in multiple languages have made them accessible and relevant across diverse communities.
This initiative has strengthened local capacity and established a foundation for more inclusive and informed farming systems. The early results show that when training is localized, practical and responsive to community needs, farmers are not only willing to embrace change but are also are eager to lead it.
