The Challenge:
Envision the northern regions of Sri Lanka, frequently affected by severe flooding and landslides that disrupt traditional farming cycles and isolate communities. These natural disasters make it difficult for farmers to access timely and relevant agricultural information, which is critical for managing their crops effectively during crisis periods. Click here to verify
"Each year, the rains and landslides cut us off, making it hard to know when to plant, treat, or harvest," - Priyantha (local farmer)
The Solution:
In response to these recurrent challenges, Anjali, a dedicated agricultural consultant, introduced a mobile-based agricultural extension service developed in collaboration with Gaza999. This service aimed to bridge the information gap by providing farmers with critical updates directly on their mobile devices, ensuring they remain informed and prepared despite the physical barriers imposed by flooding and landslides.
"Through our mobile service, we can reach farmers right where they are, ensuring they’re never left without support," - Anjali (agricultural consultant)
The Implementation:
Anjali and her team developed a user-friendly mobile application designed to withstand the connectivity issues often experienced in rural areas. The app provided real-time weather alerts, advice on flood-resistant crops, and guidance on emergency measures during landslides. An SMS service was also set up to reach farmers with limited access to smartphones.
Content tailored to the local context was regularly updated, offering actionable advice that could be immediately applied. Interactive features such as Q&A sections and direct consultations with agricultural experts were integrated, enabling farmers to receive personalized responses to their specific concerns.
Training sessions were conducted to help farmers familiarize themselves with the technology and ensure they could fully utilize all features of the service. Feedback mechanisms were put in place to continually adapt the service based on the needs and experiences of its users.
"As soon as I get an alert, I take the necessary steps to protect my crops. This app hasn’t just saved my yield multiple times; it has given me peace of mind," - Thilina (app user)
The Impact:
The introduction of mobile extension services has transformed agricultural practices in Northern Sri Lanka. Farmers now have immediate access to vital information, which has significantly increased their ability to mitigate the impacts of flooding and landslides on their livelihoods. Crop losses have decreased, and overall farm productivity has improved.
"Our community is stronger and more resilient because of the real-time knowledge and support we receive through our phones," - Anjali (agricultural consultant)
Lessons Learned:
- Adaptability in Service Delivery: Developing a mobile service that accommodates low connectivity and varied digital literacy levels was key to its success.
- Local Relevance of Content: Providing information specific to the local agricultural and environmental conditions ensured the relevance and utility of the service.
- Engagement and Feedback: Continuous engagement with users and incorporating their feedback significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the service and farmer satisfaction.
