With an ever-growing population and the increasing need for food, technology is being used today to massively increase farm output, to make predictions, to access funding, and so forth. These are inline with the main objective behind Agro-tech smart farming application, developed by local innovator Leonard Akathingo.
The 30-year-old mobile application developer designed the app earlier this year to help farmers in growing crops.
Simply known as Agro-tech, Agricultural Technology refers to the use of technology in farming and other agricultural processes.
According to him, the app offers guidelines on planting procedures, correct selection of tools, quality of planting material, removal of dead and diseased material, planting procedures, correct selection of tools and so forth.
“It offers integration between farmers, agronomists, and other service provider, making it easy for farmers to get access to relevant information regarding farming,” he said, adding that the first of its kind app in the country also gives a platform to farmers to sell their products.
Born and raised in Eunda village, Omusati region, Akathingo said his love for technology began after he got himself a laptop while studying travel and tourism at the International University of Management (IUM).
“I learned to develop a website, design a mobile app, and create a computer virus self-taught. I have always had a passion for computers; at times, I will spend sleepless nights on my PC just learning new tech ideas and mastering the software,” narrated the tech guru.
Although his dream was to become a preacher, Akathingo fell in love with technology and he has so far developed three mobile apps.
“My other apps will be launched in the near future; they are all developed in augmented reality platform. One mobile app I developed last year was a 3D Live mobile jackpot; that we had to put on hold due to the new gambling act,” he added.
Statistics provided by the ministry of agriculture indicates that agriculture currently contributes less than 5% to the GDP of the country.
“…3.7% to be specific and 60% of that is attributed to the livestock sub-sector, while crop and forestry contribute only 40% of the (3.7%) as of 2014 till present,” statistics shows.
Akathingo is appealing to agronomists, relevant stakeholders and ministries to assist emerging farmers, adding that their aid will nurture a successful agricultural industry.
“Funding is key in this type of activities and project developments,” he said.
Currently, the android version of the app is completed – and with the funding from Groupe MRP, an Indian-based company, they plan to create the IOS version and also expand to other countries.
- ashiklolo@nepc.com.na