**5. Lessons learnt**

#### **5.1 Farmer call centre E-extension model**

After promoting mobile phone, video calls, radio voice, TV with a lot of success the project felt the need to have farmer call centers alongside the others to provide extension services where, operators answer farmers' questions at a central location, advice and support smallholder farmers over the phone, using voice and voice callback to farmers.

#### **5.2 Knowledge management platforms**

There were many digital platforms for knowledge management that were operational such as the Ministry websites, County digital platforms, Big Data Systems domiciled at KALRO, Kenya Integrated Agricultural Marketing Information System (KIAMIS), Livestock Marketing Information System (LMIS), Kenya Agricultural Observatory Platform (KAOP) and Cooperative Management Information System (CMIS).

Sustainability was a key ingredient to long term success in the use of ICTs and appropriate models were put in place to enable the platforms to be used from inception to widespread adoption. There is need for improving access to ICTs particularly internet and computers and creating awareness on use of platforms such as YouTube, Twitter and Farmer Call Centers in accessing agricultural information among farmers.

The availability of CA tools and equipment would accelerate the rate of adoption and sustain their production. Unlike the farmers in the West area, the farmers in the East, Central and Rift Valley areas required more tools. The project trained local artisans to create CA tools in partnership with ATDCs to improve accessibility and affordability. The demand for AC tools and devices has been triggered by increasing awareness. Longer project lead time and improved adoption awareness.

Youth participation in agriculture is minimal and can revolutionize agricultural production as they have greater potential to access and apply modern technologies as they are more open to new ideas, new technologies and practices compared to adult farmers.
