This project will build a smart USSD technology and SMS Gateway system to improve rural communication, support animal disease crisis management and contribute to livelihood resilience for over 200.000 small-scale farmers in the Democratic Repubmlic of Congo.
In Congo-Kinshasa, commercial and backyard poultry farms provide important sources of food and income. Backyard poultry production, accounts for half the 400 million heads of poultry raised nationwide. In rural areas, nearly 90 percent of households keep chickens, porcs and/or ducks in their yards.However, 85 percent of these households are ignorant of livestock diseases. The prevention, and rapid response to livestock disease is crucial for the protection of animal, human health and livelihood
The USSD and SMS Gateway system uses a network of farmers and community animal health workers connected to our AgroMwinda plateform and a system of code numbers to relay text and voice messages sent by mobile phone through a web-based server located at AgroMwinda with support from the Vodacom Foundation. The server automatically alerts the AgroMwinda team, then the country's animal health authorities in the event of suspected cases of the disease.
The quick share of information from local communities has fostered timely investigation of suspected cases and faster, more effective responses, including culling, if needed. The system has been credited with improving disease reporting and response and helping to prevent or slow the spread of potentially devastating disease, thereby contributing to risk reduction and building the resilience of livelihoods amid crisis situations. Its success has increased the connection of farmers to AgroMwinda.
