Technology enabled solution for smallholder farmers in developing countries that improves farming practices and yields. Vision: Food security for the 475 million smallholder farmers around the world
PROBLEM Agriculture is the single largest employer in the world, providing livelihoods for 40% of today's global population. There are about 475 million farms less than 2ha in size. These smallholder farms operate on 12% of the world’s agricultural land and produce 80% of the food that is consumed in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, parts of the world where food security and stable income are still inadequate (Bayer, 2018).
In addition to unpredictable weather conditions that greatly affect crop quality and often wipe out entire fields, farmers rely on traditional farming practices which although effective, are often not the most efficient. They have limited resources to ensure soil health (such as pH) which if managed properly can have a drastic impact on the produce quality. Finally, farmers suffer from a lack of available and easy to interpret information about pest and disease management for their crops. Several farmers have informed PEV throughout the interview process that historically they have used Mortein as a pest management technique which has great implications for the health of their families and other potential consumers of the produce.
