About
Meet the Team
Our team consists of academically trained experts in agronomy, data analytics, remote sensing, digital solutions, user experience, and product development. Leveraging our deep understanding of agricultural practices and cutting-edge digital technologies, we develop robust solutions tailored to the specific needs of cane farmers. Meet our team:
Timon Weitkamp
With expertise in remote sensing and data analytics, Timon leads our efforts in harnessing the power of data to provide valuable insights and optimize farming practices.
Jelle van de Akker
Jelle specializes in digital solutions and user experience, ensuring that our products are intuitive, user-friendly, and tailored to the needs of farmers.
Joey van der Most
Joey leads our client onboarding process and maintains weekly contact with all cane growers, ensuring a smooth delivery of the SmartCane service.
Nelson Marula
Nelson is a GIS and data expert. He is responsible for data collection, analysis and storage. He also works on managing IRIPO – a communication platform that delivers agricultural extension services.
Yvonne Robben
Yvonne is our country director for Tanzania, where she leads our efforts in supporting clients with the SmartCane service and ensuring smooth regional operations.
Annemieke van Ginkel
Annemieke works as financial and HR manager for SmartCane. She drives the execution of the HR related tasks and works on the financial management of the projects.
Daniel Levelt
Daniel leads our product development initiatives, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with a deep understanding of the agricultural industry to create innovative and practical solutions for farmers.
Our vision
We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for agricultural development. Our vision is to create a resilient world where people can lead happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives while effectively managing the pressures on natural and social systems. We believe that by helping out-growers increase their yields and adopt sustainable practices, we can alleviate the strain on natural resources and have positive social impacts.
We aim to develop user-friendly platforms that facilitate knowledge transfer from experts to farmers to achieve our vision. We provide comprehensive support throughout the agricultural value chain by leveraging user behaviour tracking, expert insights, crop and market models, and customised reports.
Making an Impact
SmartCane fills a crucial gap in the smallholder production value chain. We are determined to significantly impact the agricultural sector and contribute to sustainable development for smallholder farmers worldwide. We continuously test our hypotheses and make rapid adjustments, learn from feedback, and pivot our business model to meet the real needs of smallholders.
THE SmartCane STORY: Sugarcane Farming Innovation for a SUstainable future
SmartCane, a spinoff of the Resilience Network (including SmartFarming B.V. and IRIPO Lda), combines 15 years of agricultural expertise with cutting-edge digital solutions. We aim to empower farmers, boost productivity, and transform sugarcane farming for social and economic impact.
Why SmartCane?
Meaningful Impact. We don’t just provide technology; we create real change. Our tools improve productivity, enhance sustainability, and support local communities, strengthening economies and food security. From agronomic insights to smart monitoring and personalised assistance, SmartCane equips farmers with practical tools to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results.
- Local support, simple delivery services in your language
Farmers receive actionable guidance via SMS or whatsapp, while estate managers access detailed reports. Offline-friendly solutions make SmartCane accessible anywhere.
- Accurate Data, No Extra Work
Field data is collected as an addition to the satellite services. Ensuring reliable insights.
- Flexible & Personalised
Every farm is unique. Our “technical toolbox” adapts to different regions and operational models, offering customised modules for optimal results.
DATA SECURITY
SmartCane protects all farmer and estate data with strong encryption and secure storage. We collect only what is needed, keep farmers in control of their information, and comply with international and local data protection laws. Data is never sold or misused—only applied to deliver insights and support sustainable farming.
Our network
Resilience B.V. – Experts in complex, interdisciplinary agricultural projects, prioritising social and environmental sustainability.
SmartFarming B.V. – Developer of easy-to-use mobile apps for coffee, potato, and cotton farmers, benefiting over 10,000 users with local-language guidance.
Iripo Lda – seasoned extension agents, digitising the farming community, with field tested, accessible and fit for purpose solutions, that blossom on the most recent technology and apply it to the field situation.
What Sets Us Apart
Supporting All
Simplified Approach
Focus on Actual Growth and Data Collection
Personalised Services
We provide satellite-derived information and agronomic advice in the local language, ensuring that everyone, from farmers to estate managers, is on the same page. Our local ambassadors bridge the gap, offering direct support and facilitating communication between SmartCane and farmers.
Unlike other services that rely on complex, internet-based dashboards, we deliver information through easy-to-understand SMS messages for farmers and detailed maps for estate management. Our solution is accessible offline, making it convenient and straightforward.
Instead of placing the burden of data collection on farmers, we use an app that allows our ambassadors to gather field data for model verification. This ensures accurate results while reducing client workload.
Every client has different needs. To accommodate varying agroecological zones and operational models, we offer a flexible "technical toolbox" with different modules, customising our services to suit specific requirements.
