In today’s digital age, harnessing the power of technology is crucial for driving agricultural progress. One innovative tool that is making waves in the crop data collection space is VarScout, a digital ecosystem developed by the International Potato Center (CIP) in partnership with RESONANZ Group GmbH.
This cutting-edge app is designed to collect, store, monitor and visualise plant varietal data, empowering farmers, agronomists and extension workers to make informed decisions and promote sustainable farming practices.
What is VarScout?
VarScout is a user-friendly mobile application that allows users to record the location of specific crop varieties. By capturing this valuable information, VarScout creates a publicly accessible database that displays where certain crop varieties are grown. This data-driven approach provides invaluable insights into the distribution of crop varieties, enabling value chain actors to understand farmers’ needs better and protect agrobiodiversity.
Scaling to Multiple Crops
While VarScout initially focused on potato and sweet potato varieties, its versatility has enabled expansion to encompass a diverse range of crops. With Dr. Karanja of KALRO Katumani, CIP has worked on modalities for introducing common beans and maize into the app. This scalability ensures that VarScout remains relevant and valuable across various agricultural contexts, catering to the needs of farmers and stakeholders working with different crop types.
Scaling Up VarScout in Kenya
Since its introduction in Kenya in November 2022, VarScout has gained significant traction. Over 34 Ward Agricultural Extension Officers (WAEOs) from seven major potato-producing counties have been trained to use the app. As of March 2024, they have uploaded over 1,070 field observation data points on potatoes.
Thanks to the scaling funds received from the Ukama Ustawi Initiative, VarScout is set to expand its reach in Kenya, with plans to collect over 20,000 datasets in the counties of Nakuru and Meru during the scaling phase. This ambitious goal underscores the commitment to leveraging digital tools for agricultural development. It highlights the potential of VarScout to drive positive change in the sector.
As Lynette Echesa, the Potato County Liaison Officer in Nakuru County, aptly stated, “The ongoing initiatives focusing on digital applications are poised to revolutionise extension services through digitisation, concurrently offering valuable insights on varietal performance in the county to the research community.”
With its user-friendly interface, data-driven approach and potential for scaling, VarScout is poised to become a game-changer in crop data collection and agricultural development. By empowering stakeholders with accurate and comprehensive information, this innovative tool paves the way for sustainable farming practices, improved food security and the preservation of agrobiodiversity.
This piece was initially published on the International Potato Centre and has been revised to suit Farming First’s editorial guidelines.