By Eddah Waithaka
Safaricom PLC and the global NGO Opportunity International have introduced FarmerAI in Kenya, an innovative AI chatbot designed to offer smallholder farmers in underserved communities real-time access to relevant farming best practices.
The initial pilot, which aligns with the potato crop cycle, will run from now until August, with the goal of enrolling 800 to 1,000 farmers in key regions of Kenya by the end of the year.
FarmerAI integrates generative AI with localized agricultural insights to provide essential information on weather patterns, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices. Instead of relying on a network of field agents, FarmerAI reaches farmers directly via accessible channels like SMS and WhatsApp.
Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which digitally links thousands of farmers, will supply the necessary platforms for farmers to interact easily with the AI chatbot.
“AI is already transforming the world around us, but the impact this technology can have on underserved communities is truly impactful. Above all, this partnership underscores Opportunity International’s and DigiFarm’s shared mission to uplift smallholder farmers,” said Opportunity International Chief Technology Officer Greg Nelson.
“Our partnership, and this new tool, will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.”Throughout the pilot, FarmerAI will operate under a co-branded model, featuring both DigiFarm and Opportunity International branding.
This collaboration demonstrates how both organizations are committed to strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector by equipping farmers with tools that enhance their yields and simplify access to financing.
Read More On: https://africawatchnews.co.ke/vivo-energy-reassures-kenyans-of-commitment-to-fuel-quality/
“AI is a critical part of the present and the future. Our mission at Safaricom is to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. In line with this, we are committed to bring to our customers and stakeholders technological solutions that will positively impact on them. FarmerAI is the first solution we are bringing to farmers that enables them to interact with AI and feel the power of that technology. One of the challenges that farmers face today is access to the right information at the right time such as what to plant, when to plant, weather advisory among others. This AI chatbot will allow smallholder farmers access verifiable information on common questions to guide their decisions,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.
FarmerAI and all of Opportunity International’s digital interventions rely on human-centered design strategies. By engaging with end users, they establish a key foundation for the development process.
The pilot will frequently connect with potato farmers through both digital platforms and in-person meetings on a regular schedule.
This field engagement aims to enhance understanding of farmers’ challenges and ensure that the chatbot’s design stays human-centric and responsive to real-world conditions.
According to a 2022 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the agricultural sector contributes approximately 22.4% to Kenya’s total GDP, with smallholder farmers accounting for around 5.6 million of the total farmer population.
Opportunity International and DigiFarm actively work to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas where connectivity and cost often pose barriers. Their efforts aim to enhance food security, boost incomes, and promote long-term economic resilience for smallholder farming communities throughout Kenya.
Read More At :https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
