PRIDE AFRICA - Our Work

Our Work

Over the past 20 years, PRIDE AFRICA has acquired on-the-ground expertise in microfinance, agriculture and the rural application of ICTs. PRIDE has also proven capable of innovative, results-oriented research and the creation of viable, African-led business models. We continue to stay one step ahead of the curve through visionary thinking and a genuine understanding of the African context.

Two-thirds of Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihood; yet sector inefficiency is widespread across the continent. Farmers cannot access reliable markets, buyers cannot source adequate quantities of produce, and intermediaries - such as banks - cannot cost-effectively provide services. The end result is supply-chain disorganization that depresses household income, increases food insecurity and hinders business development in Africa.

DrumNet is a research project focused on addressing the above issues, as well as others slowing agricultural development in East Africa. DrumNet utilizes an ICT-enabled platform to serve the agricultural community and its key actors. The platform, in unison with a predictable, rule-oriented DrumNet business process, increases information flow, decreases transaction costs and diminishes risk across the supply-chain.

The DrumNet Project plays a networking role by delivering market, finance, and information services to agricultural supply-chain actors in Africa. DrumNet services simplify and strengthen chains, so partners can easily interact and transact, yet concentrate on their specific chain link. DrumNet services also build trust across supply-chains by establishing baseline rules and promoting a common set of standards.

At the core of DrumNet's service provision is an IT platform that is compatible with the Internet, mobile phone networks, and other wireless devices. The platform allows DrumNet to offer unique products like SMS scouting, data mapping and tailored reporting - be it on market trends, weather, prospective partners, or related requests. The platform facilitates several of DrumNet's other products, as well, such as produce aggregation and post-transaction payment processing.

DrumNet implements its services via rural-based entrepreneurs with the reach, motivation, and business acumen to create sustainable marketing channels in Africa. The vision is an entrepreneur network that stretches across Kenya and later the region, where each has the capacity and incentive to deliver DrumNet products to their own (continually growing) client networks.

DrumNet provides partners with the tools and support needed to establish, grow and manage their networks. The approach enables DrumNet to quickly and economically scale, so its services reach more actors in less time. It also enables DrumNet to rapidly develop new, market-driven products, thus building a solid base for sustainability and extensive value-addition within Africa's agricultural sector.

DrumNet has operated in Kenya since 2004. It was first launched in Central Province in collaboration with Kenya Horticultural Exporters (KHE) and small-scale farmers cultivating baby corn, French beans, and passion fruit. More recently, DrumNet has worked with Bidco Oil Refineries Ltd., Equity Bank and smallholders engaged in sunflower oilseed production. Read about our experience here.