What is the name of your organization?
Community Development Centre (CDC)
What is the name of your solution?
SUKMOBI Mobile Marketplace
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
SUKMOBI is an ICT-based mobile marketplace empowering rural communities to connect and transact seamlessly without internet access
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Yei, South Sudan
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
South Sudan
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
The specific problem we are addressing is the inefficiency of agricultural marketing and sourcing processes for smallholder farmers in rural South Sudan, particularly in Yei, Morobo, and Lainya. Many small-scale farmers face significant barriers, including lack of access to market information, logistical challenges, and insecurity, leading to high transaction costs and low income.
Globally, millions of smallholder farmers encounter similar issues, with around 500 million small farms producing about 80% of the world's food. In our target regions, over 70% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet many struggle to find reliable markets for their produce.
With more than 50% of local buyers reporting unsuccessful farm visits, the inefficiencies in sourcing significantly impact food security and economic stability. By leveraging ICT through the SUKMOBI platform, we aim to connect sellers and buyers directly, reduce transaction costs, and enhance profitability, ultimately improving the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder families in the region.
What is your solution?
SUKMOBI is an ICT-based mobile marketplace designed to connect smallholder farmers with buyers efficiently. It allows sellers to post their available produce using a simple mobile phone, even without internet access. Buyers can search for products in their local area and propose prices, facilitating direct negotiation.
The system operates through a USSD code, making it accessible to anyone with a basic feature phone. Once a buyer finds a suitable offer, the service automatically shares contact details, enabling them to finalize transactions outside the platform. This streamlined process reduces logistical inefficiencies and costs associated with traditional market sourcing.
SUKMOBI is designed to empower users of all literacy levels, as it operates in local languages and requires no prior technical knowledge. By enhancing market access, SUKMOBI aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, promote food security, and foster economic resilience in rural communities.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
SUKMOBI primarily serves smallholder farmers in rural South Sudan, particularly in regions like Yei, Morobo, and Lainya. This population, often comprising low-income individuals and families, faces significant challenges in accessing markets, obtaining fair prices for their produce, and finding reliable buyers. Many are underserved due to a lack of market information, inefficient sourcing processes, and logistical barriers, limiting their income and economic opportunities.
By providing a mobile marketplace, SUKMOBI directly addresses these needs by enabling farmers to independently advertise and sell their products. The platform enhances market access, allowing them to connect with local buyers without relying on intermediaries, thus maximizing their profits. Additionally, the ease of use—available via basic mobile phones—ensures inclusivity for users with varying literacy levels.
The impact of SUKMOBI will be profound: farmers will experience increased income, reduced transaction costs, and improved food security, ultimately contributing to greater community resilience and economic stability. By empowering these individuals, we aim to uplift entire communities and foster sustainable development.
