Safaricom and Opportunity International launch FarmerAI, an innovative AI chatbot designed to provide smallholder farmers in underserved communities with real-time, relevant farming best practices. The pilot program, which runs until August, aims to enroll 800-1,000 farmers across Kenya by year-end.
Company NewsSeema Cohil Director Digi farm Safaricom with Greg Nelson Chief Technology Officer Opportunity International, pose for a photo during the signing of an MOU for the provision of advisory services to Digi farm farmers across Africa. The event took place at Safaricom HQ in Nairobi.
As per a 2022 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics , the agricultural sector contributes roughly 22.4% to the country’s total GDP, and smallholder farmers make up around 5.6 million of the overall farmer population. FarmerAI combines generative AI with localized agricultural insights, delivering vital information on topics like weather patterns, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices. Unlike other solutions that rely on a field agent network, FarmerAI will goto farmers through accessible channels such as SMS and WhatsApp. Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which digitally connects thousands of farmers, will provide the platforms needed for farmers to interact seamlessly with the AI chatbot.
Throughout the pilot, FarmerAI will operate under a co-branded model, featuring both DigiFarm and Opportunity International branding. This collaboration highlights the commitment of both organizations to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector by providing farmers with tools that help increase their yields and streamline access to financing.
Agriculture AI Chatbot Smallholder Farmers Digital Agriculture Kenya
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