Safaricom eyes rural farmers in Internet network upgrade

Telecoms giant Safaricom is betting on farmers in rural areas to generate traffic on its Internet infrastructure whose upgrade seeks to ease their access to markets.

The telco said yesterday it would channel a portion of its annual Sh32 billion capital expenditure to improving Internet access in the rural areas with an aim of hitting 80 per cent 3G mobile network coverage across the country.

The telco has earmarked 23,000 public primary schools for Internet connection a move expected to help bring on board rural homes and businesses.
Safaricom chief executive Bob Collymore made the announcement at the ongoing Africa Green Revolution Forum.

“Such efforts are critical in advancing an agricultural renaissance as it will allow the building of Internet platforms that can foster research and farm-to-market linkages for contemporary farmers,” he said, adding that access to the Internet and mobile value added services, including mobile banking solutions, would promote market access as farmers could seize local and international opportunities.

Mr Collymore said there was a need for the private sector to develop and incorporate innovations that boost agricultural production to guarantee food security and boost the agricultural sector. “Solving the future challenge of producing more with less in a more sustainable manner is not mission impossible.

“The private sector can lead from the front by setting aside more resources for research and innovation. For Africa to become the world’s bread basket, we must look at how to create agribusiness not just agriculture,” said Mr Collymore.