Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, supporting millions of households and providing livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. Women play a central role in this sector, accounting for an estimated 60–80 per cent of the labour force. Yet, despite their contribution to food production, many continue to face barriers to accessing resources, technology, finance and markets. Promoting digital farming among women is, therefore, essential to increasing household incomes, improving food security and strengthening rural economies.
Digital farming, which integrates technology into agricultural practices, offers an opportunity to transform how farmers grow crops, manage livestock and market their produce. Through digital devices such as smartphones, mobile applications, sensors, drones, and data analytics, farmers can make informed decisions, improve productivity and reduce losses. These innovations should not remain the preserve of large-scale farmers. Smallholder women farmers must also benefit as they are instrumental in feeding the nation.
One of the most significant advantages of digital farming is its potential to improve yields. Access to reliable weather forecasts, soil information and crop-management advice enables farmers to determine when to plant, irrigate, apply pesticides and fertilisers and harvest. Such information can help women make better use of limited resources while reducing the risks associated with unpredictable weather and climate change.
Reducing production costs
Digital tools can also lower production costs. Precision irrigation and targeted fertiliser application help farmers use water and agricultural inputs more efficiently. Meanwhile, mobile-based advisory services can provide timely information on pests and diseases, allowing farmers to intervene before diseases spread and cause significant losses. For women, who often operate on tight budgets, these savings can make the difference between a profitable season and one that deepens household poverty.
Equally vital is the opportunity to improve access to markets and financial services. Digital platforms can connect farmers directly with buyers, provide information on prevailing market prices and reduce dependence on brokers. Mobile services can also facilitate access to credit, insurance, hire services and other essential resources. With better information and stronger market connections, women can negotiate fairer prices, increase their earnings and reinvest in their farms and families.
However, the promise of digital farming will remain unrealised unless deliberate efforts are made to address the barriers women face. These include the high cost of smartphones and internet services, unreliable connectivity in rural areas, limited digital literacy and inadequate access to financing. Women’s disproportionate responsibility for unpaid care work can further restrict the time available for training and adopting new technologies.
Joint efforts
The government, county administrations, agricultural research institutions, development partners and private technology companies must work together to close these gaps. Investment in affordable rural internet, accessible digital training and relevant agricultural applications should be prioritised. Extension officers should be equipped to help women understand and use digital tools, while training programmes should accommodate their schedules and language needs.
Special attention should be given to widows and other vulnerable women in rural communities, who may lack the financial resources, land rights or family support needed to adopt modern farming methods. Cooperatives, women’s groups and community-based organisations can provide useful entry points for training, sharing equipment and accessing digital services collectively. Notably, technology must complement effective agricultural extension services and practical support. Digital platforms are most useful when their information is accurate, affordable and tailored to local farming conditions. Women must also participate in designing and evaluating these services to make them respond to their needs.
Ultimately, investing in digital farming is an investment in women’s economic independence and the wellbeing of households. Higher farm incomes can help families meet essential needs, including healthcare, education, nutrition and decent housing. Increased productivity can also strengthen national food supplies and make rural communities more resilient to economic and environmental shocks.
Kenya cannot achieve inclusive agricultural growth while leaving women behind in the digital transition. The government and its partners must move beyond recognising women’s contribution to agriculture and equip them with the tools, knowledge and opportunities to prosper. Empowering women through digital farming is a practical pathway towards household prosperity, food security and sustainable national development.