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Safaricom, NGO Unveil AI Chatbot to Boost Smallholder Farming
Safaricom, in partnership with global NGO Opportunity International, has unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot designed to provide real-time farming best practices to smallholder farmers in underserved communities.
The chatbot, named FarmerAI, integrates generative AI with localised agricultural insights to deliver essential information on weather patterns, fertiliser application, pest management, and market prices.
The initiative aims to empower farmers with timely and accurate guidance to enhance productivity and sustainability.
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A pilot phase of the project will run until August, aligned with the potato crop cycle, with a target of enrolling up to 1,000 farmers across key regions in Kenya by the end of the year.
Unlike traditional field agent networks, FarmerAI will connect directly with farmers through accessible digital platforms such as SMS and WhatsApp, ensuring seamless and efficient communication.
Speaking at the launch, Safaricom Chief Executive Peter Ndegwa emphasised the significance of AI in shaping the future of agriculture and advancing the company’s mission.
“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,” Ndegwa stated.
He highlighted the challenges smallholder farmers face, particularly in accessing the right information at the right time, such as when to plant, what to plant, and how to respond to changing weather conditions.
“This AI chatbot will allow smallholder farmers to access verifiable information on common questions, guiding their decisions and improving their agricultural output,” he added. Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which digitally connects thousands of farmers, will serve as the primary platform for interaction with FarmerAI.
Greg Nelson, Chief Technology Officer at Opportunity International, emphasised the transformative impact of AI on smallholder farming communities.
“AI is already transforming the world around us, but the impact this technology can have on underserved communities is truly profound,” Nelson noted.
“Our partnership with Safaricom and this new tool will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.”
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