Gap4All

Within the project Gap4All information services were delivered to smallholder farmers in Burundi through the AgriCoach app, and to public institutions, agri-businesses and NGO’s through the AgriMonitor app. These services are tailored towards the specific needs of the user group.

The AgriCoach provides farmers in the field with information on: 1) What crop to plant, 2) When to plant and perform crop management practices, and 3) How to get optimal results (good agricultural practices). Such information results in considerably higher yields, while reducing climate risks and preserving water and resources (seeds, fertilizer), thereby increasing food security and income for smallholder farmers. During the rainy season of 2020, 20.000 farmers in Burundi made use of the AgriCoach.

“It is very useful, as example, when I look at the Monthly Outlook I can select which culture I want to plant. If in April there is a lot of sun and not a lot of rain, I can plant soya so I know the crop will dry this month. But if there is a lot of rain in April, I can plant beans that resist humid conditions. ” – Romwald from Ryagahene

Weather Impact contributed to the development of the AgriCoach app, the provision of spatial information on crop selection and suitability, short-term weather forecast (10 days), seasonal outlook (5 months), rain season status indicator, and good agricultural practices. Next to this, a crowd-sourced rain meter network with more than 400 Burundian farmers was set up. They make daily rain observations that aids in their engagement of the AgriCoach while providing Weather Impact valuable validation data. The percentage of farmers that reports daily rainfall measurements is very high.

“I teach the seasonal forecast to group members; they find it very useful. Because it helps to know really how the next month will be in terms of rain. During the summer, I tell people to bring organic fertiliser to the field. The farmers should start with those preparations early. Also, during the dry season, the farmers should do harrowing so that when the rain starts, they are ready.”- Michel of Magamba

Our cooperation with Auxfin started within this project. When the project came to an end, we continued and expand our cooperation in delivering weather information to African smallholder farmers on a commercial basis, which makes the service financially sustainable. Over 400.000 Burundian farmer households are empowered with weather and crop information through the AgriCoach application.

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