The challenges of agritech startups are well documented. Solutions are disconnected from users’ realities – many startups launch products without understanding actual needs, offering technologies that aren’t adapted to local constraints like poor internet connectivity or low digital literacy. Marketing often masks lack of impact – many startups have impressive promotional materials but minimal real adoption and revenue, surviving mainly on grants without viable business models.
Tech is cool but tech with no impact is depressing
What good is a beautiful application that users cannot access? What value does a sophisticated algorithm provide if it doesn’t translate to improved market efficiency or access? We’ve seen countless platforms emerge with grandiose promises only to disappear into the digital graveyard after the funding dries up.
At Agrifrika, we refuse to contribute to this cycle of technological disappointment. We understand that technology is merely a tool – not an end in itself. The agricultural landscape in Cameroon demands solutions that work within its constraints, not despite them.
Designing for real user needs
I don’t know what approach others take, but at Agrifrika, we’ve made a fundamental shift in how we approach development. We start with understanding the people who will use our platform and build technology that serves their actual needs.
What does it mean concretely?
Invest in the ease of access for users with low digital literacy
We’ve stripped away unnecessary complexity at every turn. Our interfaces are intuitive, using visual cues and simple navigation paths that make sense to all users regardless of their technical background.
We’re implementing passwordless signin. Do we really expect all our users to create and remember complex passwords, and navigate traditional authentication flows? Our system will allow users to sign in with just their phone number, receiving a secure link via SMS that provides immediate access. This isn’t just convenience – it’s necessity for adoption.
Robust offline capabilities
Many users are not always connected to the internet. The reality of Cameroon includes areas with limited or intermittent connectivity. We need to provide a way to allow them to use the platform even while they are disconnected and synchronize their data when they are back online.
Our Progressive Web Application (PWA) architecture will ensure that users can continue inputting data, accessing information, and planning activities regardless of their connection status. When connectivity returns, synchronization happens automatically in the background without requiring user intervention.
The road ahead
These design principles aren’t static – they will evolve as we learn more about our users’ needs and challenges. What remains constant is our commitment to building technology that serves people, not the other way around.
While others may pursue funding with flashy demonstrations, we’re focused on designing for actual adoption and measurable impact. Solutions that genuinely solve problems create sustainable value that outlasts grant cycles.
Stay tuned to follow the evolution of these tenets as we pursue our goal to have real market impact. The revolution in Cameroonian agriculture won’t come from technology alone, but from technology thoughtfully applied to real-world challenges.
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