Within the digital realms of our smartphones, WhatsApp groups cater to diverse intents: exchanging witty dad jokes, soliciting style counsel ahead of night-outs with friends, or orchestrating meetings with professional counterparts. But is that it? No. WhatsApp groups are now transforming the agricultural landscape in Senegal. In a nation where literacy rates are low, Whatsapp voice notes have become a pivotal tool for farmers, researchers, and NGOs to share insights and collaborate effectively.

Photo Credit: Rest of World

In a country where a significant portion of the population communicates primarily in languages that are oral and lack a corresponding written form, WhatsApp voice notes have emerged as a game-changer, enabling farmers to overcome barriers and engage in productive exchange. Ousmane Sambou, a farmer from southern Senegal, is one of the representatives of the profound impact of this technology. Previously reliant on traditional knowledge passed down from elders, Sambou's world expanded when he joined a local WhatsApp group dedicated to agriculture.

Photo Credit : We Are Tech Africa

Within these groups, users freely share voice notes detailing cutting-edge farming practices, eco-friendly solutions, and strategies to combat pests without chemicals. This technology serves as a bridge to a wealth of information, propelling agricultural practices forward and facilitating the sharing of crucial information such as weather updates, training sessions, and discussions on various farming techniques.

These WhatsApp groups connect nearly 50 members per group and reach a collective total of 15,000 participants across Senegal.

Raphaël Belmin, a researcher, sees the potential for these voice notes to bridge the gaps in education and training among farmers. This dynamic was particularly evident during the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which led to skyrocketing fertilizer prices. Farmers, faced with the urgency of maintaining food security, harnessed WhatsApp voice notes to explore cost-effective alternatives and collectively strategize.

Photo Credit: Organisation des Nations Unies

One remarkable instance of WhatsApp's impact involves the dissemination of a potent homemade fertilizer technique. This technique, credited to Latin American researcher Jairo Restrepo Rivera, was shared through detailed voice messages by the Senegalese agency for agricultural advice. The result? A thriving network of over 10,000 farmers who have embraced this technique, reducing their dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers.

The significance of WhatsApp extends beyond the agricultural realm. Farmers like Moustapha Dienne have harnessed the platform's power to expand their markets and connect directly with customers. The ability to share products through WhatsApp statuses has streamlined the sales process and transformed the way smallholders conduct business.

The use of WhatsApp voice notes demonstrates how technology can co-evolve with human societies, especially in areas with unique linguistic and cultural contexts

As voices echo through the digital landscape, traditional barriers are shattered, paving the way for an inclusive and interconnected agricultural community. The use of WhatsApp voice notes demonstrates how technology can co-evolve with human societies, especially in areas with unique linguistic and cultural contexts. It showcases how technology can adapt to local needs and facilitate communication and collaboration among communities, ultimately enhancing their relationship with nature and agriculture.

Enjoying this story? Show it to us!

0 Likes

Share your thoughts and join the technology debate!

4 comments

  • I had herpes simplex virus type 2, I have been taking too many drugs, but sometimes I wish I could make it go away forever, my world is gradually coming to an end but I keep hoping things will be better than this. I saw a post in a health forum from a woman on how she was treated from herpes simplex virus 2 with the use of Dr. OZ herbs and she also wrote Dr. OZ cures all kinds of deadly diseases. At first I doubted if it was real but decided to give it a try and I contacted this herbal Doctor on internet by his doctoroz2020@gmail.com and explain my problem to him and he told me that he is going to prepare a herbal medicine for me which he did and he sent it to me through UPS service, when I received this herbal medicine, he gave me instructions on how to use it, after taken the medicine as instructed, I went for check up and the result shows negative and I was treated of this deadly disease within a 2 week, I am now free from herpes simplex virus. You can contact him by email doctoroz2020@gmail.com I am so happy, He can restore a broken marriage/relationship. whatsapp or email +2348079691432 or doctoroz2020@gmail.com

    Posted on

  • I am here to testify how a great man called Dr Oziengbe helped me out with herbs and roots which he prepared for me in order to cure herpes. I takes his product (cure) for (14) days before I am to known I was totally cure out of it, and i promised him that i will testify my healing to the whole world about how he cured me which I am very happy I am doing now, Dr Odin also cure all kinds of diseases , HEPATITIS, A,B,C , CANCER, DIABETICS , FIBROID, ALS ,and so much more , please you can get him contacted on his his whatsapp or email +2348079691432 or doctoroz2020@gmail.com He can also cure following virus (1).Herpes (2).Cancer (3).Hepatitis (4).Hiv/aids (5).Pcos (6).Fibroid (7) HPV Contact him on his email: doctoroz2020@gmail.com

    Posted on

  • I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 1 years and 8 months, and ever since then I have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until I came across testimonies of Dr. Silver on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then I contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which I took according .to his instructions. When I was done taking the herbal medicine I went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise I was cured from Herpes. My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr. Silver today on this Email address: drsilverhealingtemple@gmail.com or Whatsapp +2348120513902

    Posted on

  • I WAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR HSV-2 A FEW MONTHS AGO. At first, Yes i was devastated thinking i have an incurable STD for life. After doing hours of research i quickly realized genital herpes is a filthy parasite that just likes to hide in your body. Yes, There’s no “medical cure” but that doesn’t mean your body can’t get rid of it. I literally flush it out of my system with the help of Doctor Timothy, A natural herbal medicine which i ordered after doing some research. And now I’m HSV-2 negative, I never believed it until my doctor finally gave me the test results and behold i was HSV-2 free. I’m so glad that i found you, Doctor Timothy. Thanks so much for your goodness I’m grateful. You can also get your help from him through his website https://5dc41d5b6d60d.site123.me or email goodhealthherbalfoundation1@gmail.com for quick response.

    Posted on

More like this