By 2050, the world’s population will exceed 10 billion, requiring a significant increase in food production. Traditional agribusiness approaches—often relying on harmful practices like deforestation and monoculture—are not the solution. We believe smallholder farmers can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and equitable food system.
In sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farms represent over 80% of agricultural activity. With basic mobile technology, farmers can self-organize, operate at scale, and increase their income.
Our Mission
Our Vision
To empower small-scale farmers through innovative technology, eliminating barriers and increasing income.
A future where small-scale farmers are integral to global food security, preserving biodiversity while feeding the world.
The Challenge
Farmers face significant barriers to accessing fair markets. Despite improved productivity, logistical hurdles prevent them from reaching city markets where they can earn better prices. Many crops go unsold, wasted, or are sold at unfair prices due to poor logistics and market access.
The Solution
Small Scale Farms, a collaboration between Global Roots and Till Mobile, leverages affordable SMS technology to help farmers coordinate, transport, and sell crops at fair prices. Our platform manages farm-to-market logistics, crop tracking, and instant payments through MPESA, providing farmers with immediate, fair compensation.
What We’ve Accomplished
In our pilot program in Kenya’s Kisii Region, with $25,000 in funding, we:
Launched a legal business in Kenya
Built a local team and managed farm-to-market logistics
Developed software to track crops, sales, and payments
Garnered interest from over 700 farmers (no advertising)
Increased farmer earnings by up to 40%
On average, farmers earned an additional $60 per month, significantly improving their lives.
The Impact
The additional $60 per month allows farmers to cover essentials like school fees and health insurance, transforming the lives of families living on minimal income. Kenyan farmer Rose Chepkomai, a pilot program participant, shared how this extra income improved her family’s well-being.
Looking Ahead
We aim to scale from our initial pilot to thousands of farmers across Kenya—and eventually beyond. Future plans include:
Organized planting schedules aligned with demand
Location-specific agronomy advice
Shared farm equipment (tractors, etc.)
Weather alerts for efficient farming
Data-driven analytics for better decision-making and higher yields
We are committed to empowering smallholder farmers, helping them increase their income, and contributing to a sustainable global food system.