ICT and Ag Profile: Agrimanagr

Developed by VirtualCity, a supply chain management solutions company, AgriManagr is a software platform that automates the procurement process for farmers. The system records farmer registration information, GPS coordinates of transaction locations, and time of delivery at collection points using mobile devices enabled with AgriManagr. The software tracks transportation from collection points to warehouses in real-time and can be accessed by management. Digital scales are used to weigh products, and the system calculates payment owed to farmers. Electronic receipts are sent to farmers via email or printed receipts are provided. The system also generates exception reports if discrepancies are found in drop-off weights at warehouses compared to pick-up weights. All data is backed up to a cloud system, and VirtualCity provides training to users on the technology and farmers on its benefits. AgriManagr uses a range of technologies, including smartphone and tablet software, digital scales, GPS, email, and a database. The system is paid for by companies out of their own operating expenses, with no fees charged to farmers. Prices to companies vary, with a base price of $25/month per buying route plus additional costs based on supply chain complexity. Several thousand smallholder farmers benefit from the Kenya Tea Development Agency's use of this software, as well as company staff who receive VirtualCity's training. The business model involves VirtualCity selling licenses to use its software through a monthly subscription service, where companies are charged based on the number of buying routes, collection hubs, factories, and processors within their supply chain. Companies implement the system into their procurement operations, and improvements to their supply chain can offset the costs of using the system. Results from existing users have shown reduced weighing time at farm gates and a reduction of up to two months in the time it takes to pay farmers. Farmers now have a balance sheet and record of all their transactions, which can be used as proof of income to banks or other institutions. The initiative has primarily focused on Kenya and Tanzania, with the Kenya Tea Development Agency being a key user of the software. VirtualCity's training and support have been crucial in helping farmers trust and understand the benefits of the technology. The system's impact on improving supply chain efficiency and reducing costs has been significant, with existing users experiencing benefits such as reduced weighing time and faster payment to farmers.