Busara’s Post

Among the micro-entrepreneurs we interviewed, 86% of platformed vendors discovered these platforms through a sales agent, while 61% of unplatformed entrepreneurs found out about them through their peers. Here are some factors that influence micro-entrepreneurs decisions to use or not use a retail trade platform: 1) Initial self-efficacy levels: Most platformed users felt more confident in their ability to order items online and handle complex online tasks. 2) Perceived usefulness: Micro-entrepreneurs value the convenience, stock access, and competitive pricing digital platforms offer. 3) Onboarding process: Initial support from sales agents increased platform use among micro-entrepreneurs by enhancing trust and accountability. 4) Platform reliability: Many micro-entrepreneurs use these platforms for price discovery and stock sourcing. For more information, read this factsheet: https://lnkd.in/dCDq77-A 

Do retail trade platforms contribute to higher incomes and access to digital financial services for the micro-vendors? We engaged with 400 micro-entrepreneurs using such platforms in Kenya, and here’s what we discovered: 1) 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬: These platforms cut out the middleman, making inventory cheaper for micro-entrepreneurs. Additionally, they cut transportation costs for vendors and offer regular sales discounts. These features enable vendors to acquire more stock without spending extra, allowing them to price their products competitively or use the savings to grow their inventory. 2) 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: Most platforms offer products on credit, allowing vendors to stock up even when they lack sufficient capital. This ensures business continuity for micro-vendors who may not have access to other forms of business funding. Access to such credit facilities contributes to their financial security. 3) 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Some retail trade platforms share lists of items on sale with vendors who do not have access to smartphones. This solves accessibility issues and ensures that all vendors can access services regardless of gadget type, education level, or location. 4) 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬: Tech-savvy vendors often use multiple apps and suppliers. Before placing an order, they compare platform prices with those of their local wholesale suppliers to ensure they get the best deal for each product. For more details, read this blog by Glenn Ogolah: https://lnkd.in/dkerJRRF 

Digitization in development is often touted as a cure-all for the challenges faced by small, highly informal enterprises. In 2023, we conducted a study to determine if, how, and to what extent digital platforms in Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and India impact these enterprises, focusing on profitability, resilience, and asset acquisition. Glenn Ogolah shares the findings in this blog post: https://lnkd.in/dkerJRRF #digitization #microenterprises #businessapps

Africa produces approximately 70% of the world’s cocoa, predominantly sourced from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Yet, behind this dominance lies a complex narrative of child labor and unsustainable farming practices passed down through generations. Responding to the growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainable cocoa, we conducted a study to understand the behavioral dynamics among farmers and foster a resilient and responsible cocoa industry. In collaboration with Cargill, we sought to improve cocoa farming practices in Côte d’Ivoire by optimizing training programs through community-based agents. In our tale, S͟w͟e͟e͟t͟ S͟y͟m͟p͟h͟o͟n͟y͟, Kofi, a stalwart guardian of the land, Kwame, a skilled master trainer, and Akosua, a behavioral scientist, take us through Cargill’s global initiative in Abidjan. Read more on pages 28-33 of 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔, available for free download here: https://lnkd.in/d_Vm_u4w 

Digital innovation is reshaping Africa’s food and agriculture landscape, with apps playing a central role in this transformative journey. Some successful digital innovations that are changing the food landscape in Africa include;  ✅ Farmcrowdy (Nigeria) ✅ Twiga Foods (Kenya) ✅ Esoko (Ghana) Leveraging behavioral insights in digital innovation holds the key to unlocking the full potential of agricultural transformation, improving food security, and creating sustainable, user-centric solutions across Africa. In a recent study, we partnered with Twiga Foods to enhance customer engagement with the Soko Yetu app. In our tale, H͟a͟r͟m͟o͟n͟y͟ i͟n͟ t͟h͟e͟ M͟a͟r͟k͟e͟t͟P͟l͟a͟c͟e͟, we meet Makau, a seasoned vendor with a penchant for tradition, and Akello, a vivacious customer service bot determined to revolutionize the way Twiga Foods’ vendors interact with the Soko Yetu App. Read more on pages 23 - 26 of 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔, available for free download here: https://lnkd.in/d_Vm_u4w #digitalinnovation #technology #digitalagriculture #agriculture

Chicken and eggs play a crucial role in addressing nutritional and economic challenges in low to middle-income countries. Typically associated with urbanization, their consumption rises with increasing incomes, offering an affordable protein source pivotal for food security. By understanding behavioral factors affecting poultry consumption and supporting smallholder farmers, it is possible to design interventions that boost poultry consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations. This is the focus of an ongoing initiative by Cargill’s Hatching Hope Global Initiative and Heifer International in collaboration with Busara. In our tale F͟e͟a͟t͟h͟e͟r͟s͟ o͟f͟ C͟h͟a͟n͟g͟e͟, two chickens named Chika and Kari narrate how they and their caretaker experience the impact of Cargill’s initiative. Read more on pages 10-15 of 𝑭𝑨𝑹𝑴 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔, available for free download here: https://lnkd.in/d_Vm_u4w #food #foodsecurity #poultryconsumption #health