Helping Rural Farmers Connect

Alloysius Attah grew up on his aunt’s farm in Ghana, so he knows how difficult it can be for small-scale farmers to access the resources they need to succeed. That’s why he developed a mobile and web platform just for them. Mergdata sends farmers information about the weather and produce prices via voice message in their language, bridging any literacy gaps. The ­farmers—who might not otherwise have access to financial services like loans—can also get farm supplies on credit through the platform. Localized farming tips for the season come free when farmers purchase supplies. “We need to get them everything they need to produce and sell more food and make lasting profit for their families,” Attah says. More than 200,000 farmers in 13 countries in Africa are currently using Mergdata. —Amy Gunia