University of Dodoma develops system to improve market access
What you need to know:
- This system simplifies the supply chain and empowers farmers by providing access to market information through digital platforms
Dodoma. The University of Dodoma (UDOM) has developed a blockchain-based system designed to optimise the supply chain from farmers to markets, promoting transparency and efficiency in agricultural trade.
To validate the system's effectiveness, research was conducted in three regions, each focusing on a key crop produced in the area: tobacco in Tabora, soya in Ruvuma, and cashew nuts in Mtwara.
Senior Lecturer and Lead Researcher from UDOM’s School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Dr Hilda Mwangakala, announced the development yesterday during a joint meeting to assess the system’s functionality.
"This system enables farmers to access market information globally, so that they can engage in contract farming or utilise warehouse receipt systems with the confidence of market availability," she said.
Dr Mwangakala noted that the system is part of a three-year project designed to help farmers sell their produce online without the interference of exploitative intermediaries.
The initiative is funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). While opening the meeting, UDOM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research and Consultancy, Professor Razack Lokina, highlighted the system’s significance in transforming the agricultural sector.
“This system simplifies the supply chain and empowers farmers by providing access to market information through digital platforms," he said.
