Small-scale farmers in Africa and the Middle East face particular difficulties that call for specialised mechanisation solutions. That is exactly what John Deere’s S.M.A.R.T. model is accomplishing while having a holistic impact on farmers’ businesses, their lives and communities.
Zabion de Wee, John Deere’s business development manager for Africa and the Middle East, shares how their technology is improving agricultural production on the farms of farmers who never thought they’d own a John Deere tractor.
Focusing on the consumer
According to De Wee, the S.M.A.R.T. model solutions are consumer-focused. The goal is to have a tractor available for every customer, regardless of operational size. “If a farmer has five hectares [of land] there’s a solution for [the farmer]. We would rather focus on getting a contractor and that contractor services at least 10 to 15 farmers,” he says.
In the episode, De Wee also shares real-life examples in which the S.M.A.R.T. model has made a significant impact on the lives of farmers. Sharing the stories of how farmers in the Eastern Cape went from three tonnes to eight tonnes, while others went from five tonnes to eight-point-five tonnes, he says “John Deere really answered the cry of farmers”.
In this episode, De Wee also discusses:
- The importance of looking at the needs of farmers;
- Solutions in collaboration with government and stakeholders; and
- Future plans for John Deere.
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ALSO READING: Podcast: John Deere throws weight behind farmers
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