With the ‘planting – rains’ having graced most parts of Malawi this week, we engaged Zaulimi to unravel the impactful work they are undertaking to support farmers.
Introduction
Agricultural Commodity Exchange for Africa (ACE) and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) jointly developed Zaulimi App, an inclusive mobile application that assists farmers and extension officers with essential production and marketing information for selected crops, livestock, and agroforestry.
Following the logic of the production cycle, the app provides users with detailed crop and livestock information. It also contains other modules like Farming is Business, Market Place, and market price information.
Accessibility
Zaulimi is accessible through mobile app (on Android) and the web.
In December 2022, ACE and WHH signed a memorandum of understanding with TNM to make the app zero-rated. This means that customers on TNM can access all features on Zaulimi App at no data costs.
Certified content, bilingual support in Chichewa and English, offline accessibility, and tailored features for semi-literate users through audio and illustrations enriches the user experience.
Impact
Zaulimi App’s impact reverberates through heartfelt testimonials received via impact assessment surveys and in-app feedback mechanisms. Farmers commend its guidance in farming activities, appreciating the app’s ability to simplify complex information.
With over 56,000 users and a daily average of 200, Zaulimi App has become an indispensable tool, connecting farmers with reputable input and service providers. Its collaboration with NGOs has digitized the agricultural sector, delivering extensions and other essential services.
Future Plans
Zaulimi App envisions a future where it transcends its current capabilities. Plans include adding modules for Fisheries, Sunflower, and vegetables to encompass all agriculture value chains in Malawi. Bridging the information gap between farmers and agribusiness players remains a priority, with partnerships sought for comprehensive disaster alerts. The app aspires to extend market access beyond Malawi’s borders, providing smallholder farmers a pathway to international markets. The vision is not just an app but a transformative force shaping the future of agriculture in Malawi.
