Innovators in agricultural technology have been urged to develop affordable and user-friendly tools suited to Kenya's smallholder farmers.
Peter Juma, managing director of KickStart International, made the call at a Kenya Editors Guild Press Club forum in Nairobi.
He said farmers accept technology that solves real problems, is affordable and pays for itself. He cited solar-powered water pumps priced between Sh40,000 and Sh200,000 as examples of tools still too costly for many.
Juma stressed that technologies should address women's needs by being light and portable. Participants agreed the main challenge is turning research into steps farmers can easily implement.