This game was specifically created for people who want to pursue careers in economic development (and people who like challenging strategy simulations). The bottom of the “income pyramid” represents some 1 billion of the world’s poorest persons making a living from subsistence agriculture. If we think of small farms as micro-enterprises, then smallholder farmers are entrepreneurs facing some of the world’s worst business conditions. One key to poverty alleviation is increasing the profitability of small agricultural enterprises. If you want to help the world’s poorest citizens, and you cannot beat this game, you are probably not qualified for the job! Do you want to become qualified? Then beat the game!
If you think starting a business is hard, try farming in Africa on less than $2 a day! Here is your chance. Start with a simple farm, learn about your soil, improve its health, plant the right crops at the right time, fight off pests and diseases, harvest at the right time, then store and market the crop. Using actual soil, climate, botanical, and ecological data, each farm has been rigorously modeled to reflect real world conditions. With other players, you can also share experience points you earn within the game to create clubs, cooperatives, associations, and trading partners. These cooperative strategies (i.e. to join forces with other players) reduce your costs within the game, but also allow you to sell at higher prices. Please feel free to share your farming insights with other players in our forum, or learn more about farming using our databases.
This game was financially supported by INSEAD, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and ICON Group International, Inc. If you would like a simulation developed for your organization or region, please contact phil.parker at insead dot edu.
Enjoy!
PC System Requirements
Minimum:
OS:Windows XP SP 2 / Vista / 7
Processor:Intel Core2Duo 3 GHz
Memory:2 GB RAM
Graphics:Shader Model 3 with 512 MB VRAM
DirectX®:9.0c
Recommended:
OS:Windows XP SP 2 / Vista / 7
Processor:Intel Core2Duo 3 GHz
Memory:4 GB RAM
Graphics:Shader Model 3 with 512 MB VRAM
DirectX®:9.0c
Mac Requirements
Minimum:
Mac® OS X 10.6.8, or 10.7.X (Latest Version)
Intel® Processor
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT or ATI Radeon® X1600 or better
12 GB available HD space
2 GB Ram
DVD-ROM drive
Broadband Internet connection
1024X720 minimum display resolution
Recommended:
Mac® OS X 10.7.X (Latest Version)
Intel® Core 2 Duo processor
4 GB system RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 9600M GT or ATI Radeon® HD 4670 or better
Farm Defenders is a 3D farm simulation game spanning the entire continent of Africa. Create farms in every environment, from the lush tropics to the barren deserts. Grow your crops and become wealthy all while preventing disease, pests, and maximizing yield using real-life African farming techniques. The simulation is realistic to the details of the local soil type, weather, and natural challenges.
Genre: Strategy, Simulation, Sandbox
Beta Release Date (Windows): March 31, 2013
Beta Release Date (Mac): To Be Announced
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Single Player
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