Counties that Count – A Pilot Project on Strengthening Capacity for Effective Agriculture Data and Knowledge Management through the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS)

This document presents the findings and outcomes of a pilot project aimed at strengthening agriculture data and knowledge management in Kenya. It describes the implementation and impact of the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS). This report is intended for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and stakeholders interested in improving agricultural information systems and supporting smallholder farmers. It provides insights into the design, implementation, and potential for scaling up KIAMIS to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.

Key Insights

Centralized Farmer Registration Platform

The project piloted a centralized farmer registration platform. This platform is designed to be shared across multiple programs and projects. This avoids duplication of effort and ensures consistency in data collection.

E-Voucher Module for Input Access

An e-voucher module was introduced under the project. This allows for continuous and partial redemption of vouchers on a range of inputs. The current system requires separate vouchers for each input and doesn’t allow partial redemption.

Piloting and Training

Farmer registration was piloted in Uasin Gishu and Nyandarua counties, registering around 100 farmers in each county. Additionally, e-voucher registration was successfully piloted with 25 farmers in Uasin Gishu County. Training of trainers (ToT) was delivered to 30 key personnel from the state departments of MoALF&C, KALRO, counties, and wards.

KIAMIS Platform Installation

Three elements of the KIAMIS platform (production, training, and development) were installed in the KALRO data center. 130,000 existing farmer registration records were uploaded into a production-ready KIAMIS instance.

Comprehensive Farmer Registry

The Ministry formulated a comprehensive farmer registry across multiple counties using KIAMIS. Hand-over arrangements were started with ATO/MoALF&C.

Key Statistics & Data

• USD 300,000: FAO Contribution to the project.
• 7 November 2019 - 31 December 2021: Project duration.
• 100: Number of farmers registered in each of the piloted counties (Uasin Gishu and Nyandarua).
• 25: Number of farmers who participated in the e-voucher registration pilot in Uasin Gishu County.
• 30: Number of key personnel who received training of trainers (ToT).
• 130,000: Number of existing farmer registration records uploaded into KIAMIS.

Methodology

The project employed a pilot project approach, focusing on two modules: farmer registration and subsidy management. Data was collected through farmer registration, and the e-voucher system was tested with a subset of farmers. Training of trainers (ToT) sessions were conducted to build capacity among key personnel. Stakeholder engagement was a key component, involving government agencies, research organizations, and county representatives.

Implications and Conclusions

The KIAMIS pilot project demonstrates the potential for a centralized, integrated agricultural information system to improve data management and access to inputs for farmers in Kenya. The e-voucher module offers a more flexible and efficient approach to subsidy management compared to the existing system. However, the project faced challenges, including delays due to government schedules and procurement issues. Further optimization and institutionalization of KIAMIS are needed to ensure its long-term sustainability and impact.