Krishoker-Hut: a novel approach to empower rural agricultural trade through technology

Abstract

Agriculture is often considered as the key driver of economic growth in Bangladesh. However, many farmers residing in the rural areas barely even live hand-to-mouth. It is well established that farmers are ill paid given the contribution they make, due to several intermediaries that pass through along the trade between farmers and customers. Our research aims to deal with this major crisis, and it is feasible through establishing an e-commerce platform which will aid the farmers to directly trade with the general people. This solution is crafted as Krishoker-Hut, which is a Bengali expression that translates to ‘Farmer’s Marketplace’ in English. The interpretation of this title comes from the ambition of ensuring a decent position of farmers in the economy of Bangladesh, which they rightfully deserve. The application features a dashboard where farmers can list their items along with pricing, whereas customers can primarily request for items, negotiate the price and search for desired products. Apparently, the first logical step after identifying the problem is gathering opinions of both the parties involved and letting them get acquainted with the proposal. Extracting critical comprehension from our interviews with N=60 farmers residing in 4 different rural areas, we construct a pathway of the requirements farmers envision in the system. Furthermore, online interviews are conducted with N=37 general people to familiarize with their views and recommendations on the system. Based on the findings, we construct the system and make necessary modifications to match the needs of both farmers and general people. Some certain approaches are used to make the system convenient regardless of whoever uses it. In short, Krishoker-Hut e-commerce application endeavors to prevail as a simple and sustainable system which in turn makes sure to establish a more direct business approach between farmers and mass people.