The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance markets andcontribute to the role of agriculture in Ghana’s development, has been given an added impetus with the launch of Esoko, a mobile market services application designed exclusively in Ghana.
Being the first company in the country to develop an agriculture commodity index which provides market trend analysis on both retail and wholesale commodity trading levels, Esoko’s goal is “ to demonstrate that targeted market information can, not only dramatically change lives, but be a viable commercial business”, revealed Mark Davies, the CEO of Esoko Networks.
Formerly known as TradeNet, the mobile platform also offers a range of services including Bulk SMS, Scout and Stock applications that allow one to poll thousands and report stock quantities using SMS.These services thus allow businesses to advertise in a more targeted way and improve how they manage their supply chain.
Esoko currently operates in 15 countries with different private partners in each, working with the concept of integrating both social and financial objectives to improve livelihoods in Africa.
With the advent of Esoko, farmers for instance, can send and receive top commodities prices from all over the country on their mobile phones. Ultimately, farmers are able to improve their income by negotiating better prices or selecting more favourable markets for their products. Businesses and individuals also get the opportunity to browse offers to buy and sell, or to advertise their own products and services.
Esoko is managed through the web, and no hardware or software is required, the service is also available by SMS to the Esoko short code 1900 for commodities price results from all over the country.