Use technology to transform your business

Albert Einstein, the German-American genius, once reminded us that, ‘the human spirit must prevail over technology.’

In this era of ultra-fast technological advancements, it’s easy to forget that technology is but a means to an end. The driver behind this technology vehicle is the human spirit and mind that must envision desirable ends.

The big question for us in Africa therefore is, “what exactly do we intend to achieve through technology?” Considering that unemployment in Kenya is in the double-digit and that young people are adversely affected, technology should help in creating jobs and boosting livelihoods.

In his recent speech at Kasarani, President Obama explained how a young Kenyan woman is using technology to enhance livelihoods. “I’m hopeful because of a young woman named Jamila Abass. So Jamila founded M-Farm, which is a mobile platform already used by over 14,000 people across Kenya. M-Farm makes it easy for farmers to get information that lets them match their crops with what the market demands. And studies show it can help farmers double their sales.”

In the same agricultural vein, an online platform at Mbeguchoice.com helps farmers to identify and plant seeds that suit their respective climatic conditions. This unprecedented initiative was supported by Kenya Markets Trust and developed by seed companies together with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis).

Both M-Farm and Mbeguchoice are only as effective as the extent to which they are used. The human spirit behind them shouldn’t be limited to the creators. Rather, and even more importantly, it is the millions of Kenyan farmers and consumers who should make the most of such ground breaking technological platforms.
Don’t just plant seeds through trial and error anymore but go to Mbeguchoice and plant the right seed that will give you optimal harvests that can put more money in your pocket. Don’t just sell that harvest at your local market but go to M-Farm and explore other markets that can put more money in your pocket.

At the Green Africa Foundation, we have rolled out a network of Green Africa Villages that both produce and consume sustainable products and services.

Through emerging technologies, Green Africa Villages can now buy and sell even more sustainable products. The same should be true for you. You should critically explore new tech platforms as presented here and ask yourself how they can enhance your business. They are means to an endpoint and like all vehicles; you have to board them in order to reach your destination.

Think green, act green!

The writer is the founder and chairperson, Green Africa Foundation and runs a blog on conservation—www.isaackalua.com