“There is a pressing need to support the agricultural sector in Africa in order to ensure food security. This app could revolutionize the way that farmers do business through linking farmers with fertilizer merchants and even by integrating sponsorship into the process,” said Charles Botha, Regional Manager, Agricultural Services, Intertek.

 

Intertrek delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions to operations and supply chains worldwide through a network of laboratories, offices and staff in more than 100 countries.

 

There are more than 10 million farmers in Africa, half of them owning mobile devices. With this app they will have full time access to services which can help them enrich soil fertility and increase yields while reducing input costs.

 

Video tutorials available on the app will help farmers in the land mapping process and drawing soil samples. Farmers can then access real time information at the nearest drop-off depot or send the sample directly to the company with results, and fertilizer recommendations, directly available on the app.

 

Through the app, farmers can also connect with qualified agronomists to discuss the results, a service often beyond reach for small holder farmers in Africa.

 

The app is also an innovative avenue for direct investment by sponsors.

 

In the fullness of time, Botha added that the data collected from the app will enable farmers and sponsors to analyze the progress made through the results on specific crop yields achieved.

 

The Intertek Soil Manager app is available free of charge from the Google Play Store.

Source : footprint2africa.com