Blog Agent Networks: The missing link in food systems last-mile delivery

by Kiogora Joseline Kanja , Nathanial Peterson, Millicent Omala

onMay 26, 2026

EMBE is working with agribusinesses across Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia to strengthen last-mile delivery systems by improving agent networks, data visibility, and farmer engagement through practical tools, training, and behavioral insights.

Supporting agribusinesses across Africa to strengthen last-mile systems.

EMBE Learning Series – Insight 1 Agent Networks Are the Missing Link in Last-Mile Delivery - Image 1

About the EMBE learning series

Across EMBE’s work with agribusinesses in Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia, one challenge continues to emerge: strengthening last-mile delivery is not only about products or logistics — it is about systems.

This learning series shares practical insights from EMBE’s engagements and ongoing work through:

The EMBE Masterclass
The AgentBI Platform (in development)
The Agent Network Optimization Playbook (in development)

Together, these initiatives aim to help agribusinesses build stronger and more scalable agent networks.

Insight 1: Agent networks are the missing link

Agribusinesses continue to invest in improved inputs and climate-smart solutions, yet adoption often remains inconsistent. EMBE’s engagements across multiple countries suggest the challenge is frequently not the product itself, but the systems connecting products to farmers.

Field agents play a central role in these systems. They help build farmer trust, generate demand, support product delivery, and connect agribusinesses to rural markets.

Yet many agents operate with:

Limited support
Weak incentives
Unclear performance structures
Little visibility into market activity

When agent systems are weak, last-mile delivery becomes fragmented and reactive.

How EMBE Is responding

EMBE Masterclass: Building agribusiness capacity on agent network design and management.
AgentBI Platform (in development): Improving visibility into agent performance and market insights.
Agent Network Optimization Playbook (in development): Providing practical guidance for recruitment, training, performance management, and retention.

Key Takeaway

Strong last-mile delivery systems depend on strong agent networks.

Next in the EMBE learning series

The Hidden Cost of Poor Agent Management — and why weak agent structures continue to limit performance, farmer engagement, and last-mile delivery outcomes.