A groundbreaking initiative by Safaricom PLC and Opportunity International aims to revolutionize agriculture in Kenya through the introduction of FarmerAI, an innovative AI-powered chatbot designed to empower smallholder farmers with critical information.
This cutting-edge technology leverages the power of artificial intelligence to provide farmers with real-time access to vital agricultural insights, including weather patterns, optimal fertilization techniques, pest management strategies, and prevailing market prices.
“AI is already transforming the world around us, and this technology has the potential to significantly impact underserved communities,” stated Greg Nelson, Chief Technology Officer at Opportunity International. “FarmerAI will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for all.”
The pilot program, which will run from now until August, coinciding with the potato crop cycle, seeks to enrol 800-1,000 farmers across key regions in Kenya. Leveraging Safaricom’s existing DigiFarm platform, which connects thousands of farmers digitally, FarmerAI will be readily accessible via SMS and WhatsApp, ensuring seamless interaction for farmers.
“Our mission at Safaricom is to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company,” emphasized Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom. “FarmerAI represents a significant step towards achieving this goal, empowering farmers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and improve their livelihoods.”
Recognizing the importance of human-centred design, Opportunity International will actively engage with farmers throughout the pilot phase, gathering feedback and refining the chatbot’s functionality to ensure it effectively addresses their specific needs and challenges.
This collaboration between Safaricom and Opportunity International marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural areas and empowering smallholder farmers to enhance their productivity, increase their incomes, and build greater resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
By providing farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, this initiative has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape in Kenya and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
