East-Africa Farmer & Seller Marketplace
Context
This project was part of More Professional Week at Thomas More. My team and I were challenged to improve the connection between farmers and middlemen in East Africa. We realized early on that high-speed internet is not a reality for everyone, so we focused on a solution that worked for farmers using basic GSM phones on 2G networks.
What We Built
Our proof of concept created a streamlined marketplace designed for accessibility. Key features included:
- Direct Stock Listing: Farmers can list their crops through simple text-based menus.
- Real-Time Bidding: Sellers can view current listings and place competitive bids instantly.
- Logistics Optimization: An automated system for pickup scheduling to bridge the last-mile gap.
- Route Calculation: A backend feature that calculates the most efficient routes for transporters.
Why We Built It
In a world obsessed with 5G, it is easy to forget that the most helpful solution is often the one built for 2G. We chose a USSD-based protocol because it ensures that every farmer can participate in the market regardless of their phone or data plan. Our goal was to remove the barriers created by flashy but inaccessible tech and focus on what actually helps a farmer sell their stock for a fair price.
How We Built It
The main technical challenge was making sure the API could handle requests from different types of frontend simulations. Since we were testing the system with both Flutter and React Native at the same time, the backend had to be very flexible. I solved this by building a clean and structured API that delivered data in a consistent format. This allowed the rest of the team to focus on the mobile interfaces while I ensured the data stayed secure and organized.
My Personal Contribution
While the team worked on the different mobile simulations, I took full ownership of the server side:
- Backend Development: I built the entire backend using .NET to handle all the core business logic.
- API Architecture: I designed and implemented the endpoints that the Flutter and React Native apps used to communicate.
Tech Stack
- Language: C#
- Framework: .NET
- Simulated Frontends: Flutter and React Native
- Tools: Postman and Git
Key Takeaways
The biggest lesson here was that good engineering is about using the right tech for the context rather than just the newest tech available. I learned how to work within strict technical constraints and still deliver a powerful tool. Working with a diverse team during such an intensive week taught me that the best solutions come from constant brainstorming and being willing to challenge your own technical assumptions.
