Tanzania’s digital agriculture platforms are struggling to deliver practical benefits to smallholder farmers, despite government efforts to expand access to technology and market information.
Farmers say limited training, slow responses and poor access to smartphones prevent them from using services designed to improve agricultural production and sales.
According to Al Jazeera, several farmers in Tanzania’s Dodoma region continue to rely on traditional markets, cooperatives and public auctions rather than digital platforms.
Farmers face digital barriers
The government’s M-Kilimo and e-Kilimo platforms provide agricultural advice, market information and access to government services.
However, some farmers say they do not understand how the systems work.
Theresia Abel Nyoka, a farmer in Dodoma, said she had received messages about the platforms but had never registered because she lacked training.
Another farmer, Jeremiah Luwe, said responses to his agricultural questions sometimes took up to two weeks, making the information less useful.
Other farmers reported difficulties accessing smartphones, internet connections and reliable market prices.
Millions registered, but benefits unclear
A 2024 study reported approximately 7.2 million farmers registered on M-Kilimo.
However, registration figures do not show how many farmers actively use the platform or benefit financially.
The study also identified around 400,000 incomplete registrations and challenges involving digital literacy.
Meanwhile, Tanzania is implementing a $3.62 million digital agriculture programme running from September 2024 to August 2027.
The initiative aims to improve digital literacy among 500,000 farmers and train 500 agricultural extension workers.
Experts call for better training
Agricultural specialists say digital services could help smallholder farmers access buyers, compare prices and improve their incomes.
However, they argue that technology must be supported by practical training and timely information.
Praygod Malisa, an agricultural specialist with Rikolto East Africa, said smallholder farmers often lack the market access enjoyed by larger producers.
Experts also recommend combining digital platforms with existing cooperatives, agricultural officers and familiar communication tools such as WhatsApp.
For many Tanzanian farmers, the challenge is not simply gaining access to technology but ensuring it delivers meaningful results.