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Integrated Seed Platform

Published on the April 11, 2023 in Design & Multimedia

About this project

Open

We want to develop a first prototype of the solution the form of an application that enables sub-saharn african farmers to access information about seed varieties, their characteristics, performance, and seed availability.
This first prototype includes a web portal and a mobile app (Android)

In terms of functionality, this prototype will also include reviews and ratings from other farmers to help them make more informed decisions. By starting with the farmer's needs in mind, it is believed that this prototype will be well-adapted to the farmer's needs and will be more likely to increase their trust and adoption of improved varieties. Additionally, by focusing on the farmer's needs, it is believed that this prototype will also be a good first step to help drive the whole value chain in the right direction, as the other actors in the value chain will be able to see the benefits of this platform and will be more likely to adopt it as well in the future.

## Feature set for a first prototype

- As a farmer I’m able to see the different varieties in my country and their characteristics (factsheet)
- As a farmer I’m able to filter varieties according to my desired criteria
- As a farmer I’m able to locate the varieties for which seed is available close to me
- As a farmer I’m able to share these varieties via Facebook
- As a farmer I’m able to sign-up to the platform with my phone number
- As a farmer I’m able to sign-up to the platform using Facebook and WhatsApp.
- As a singed-up farmer I’m prompted to complete my profile
- As a signed-up farmer I’m able to specify the details of my farming practice (farm location, crops, planted hectares)
- As a signed-up farmer I’m able to see the reviews of other farmers
- As a signed-up farmer I’m able to post a review
- As a signed-up farmer I’m able to see where seed is available for a given variety
- As a signed-up farmer I’m able to see the contact details of the seed seller for which seed is available.
- As a signed-up farmer I’m able to add varieties as favorites .
- As a signed-up farmer I want to be notified about updates on my favorites varieties

## 2.3 Mockups

💾 Download from [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1J6bZ5PI9SsiW8ZwictISrN1v2JD6Bz6z?usp=sharing)8

Project overview

# Problem Hypothesis Adoption of improved varieties of agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is a complex issue that has been extensively studied in the literature. Factors that have been found to play a role in the weak adoption of improved varieties include: - Limited access to information and knowledge about the benefits and proper use of improved varieties - Lack of extension services and other forms of support to help farmers adopt and use improved varieties - Socio-economic and cultural factors, such as risk aversion and a preference for traditional varieties - Limited access to credit and other forms of financing to purchase improved seed - Limited infrastructure and supply chain issues that make it difficult for seed sellers to reach farmers and for farmers to access improved seed Our problem hypothesis puts the emphasis on risk aversion as it highlights the role of information asymmetry between seed buyers and sellers as a barrier to adoption. The consequences of risk aversion are exacerbated by the lack of resources a smallholder farmer has for buying new seed. Additionally, the hypothesis also identifies the problem of seed sellers having difficulty reaching new customers and selling their products, which can lead to significant financial losses due to stock sitting in warehouses for long periods of time, resulting in reduced germination rates and potential spoilage of products. In addition to the financial losses incurred, this also creates a logistical issue for seed sellers as they must balance the need to keep stock fresh with the need to move it quickly in order to remain competitive in the market. This can be especially difficult when dealing with multiple varieties of seeds, making it difficult to forecast demand and plan accordingly. # Solution Hypothesis Enabling trust on the buying side and addressing the problem of seed sellers reaching new customers are potential solutions to increase the adoption of improved varieties in Sub-Saharan Africa. The solution hypothesis is that by creating an independent and data-driven source of trust among the actors in the seed value chain, it will be possible to increase the adoption of improved varieties of agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore envision the ISP, a multi-crop platform that brings together breeders, seed producers, seed sellers, government agencies and seed buyers to foster transparency and inspire collaboration. The platform would provide a centralized, accessible, and reliable source of information about seed varieties, their characteristics, performance, and availability. Additionally, the platform would facilitate **trust and collaboration** among stakeholders, and provide tools for seed buyers to make more informed decisions, such as feedback and ratings from other buyers. By providing a transparent and collaborative environment, the ISP's platform aims to increase the trust of seed buyers and sellers, and increase the adoption of improved varieties of agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Category Design & Multimedia
Subcategory Mobile app design
What do you need? Medium-sized change
Is this a project or a position? Project
Required availability As needed
Similar apps Other

Delivery term: Not specified

Skills needed