Kenya’s largest telecommunications company, Safaricom, has partnered with global NGO Opportunity International to launch an AI-powered chatbot aimed at transforming smallholder farming in the country. Named FarmerAI, this tool is designed to provide real-time, localized agricultural insights to farmers, equipping them with essential knowledge on weather patterns, fertilizer use, pest control, and market prices.
The FarmerAI chatbot will be accessible through user-friendly platforms like SMS and WhatsApp, making it easy for small-scale farmers, even in remote areas, to get instant responses to their farming-related queries. Unlike traditional agricultural advisory services that rely on field agents, FarmerAI cuts out the need for intermediaries by delivering actionable farming insights directly to farmers.
Why Safaricom & Opportunity International Launched FarmerAI
Kenya’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in the economy, contributing 22.4% of the country’s GDP, according to a 2022 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). Smallholder farmers—who account for around 5.6 million of Kenya’s total farmer population—face challenges such as unpredictable weather, access to market information, and limited knowledge on best farming practices.
Recognizing these struggles, Safaricom’s DigiFarm platform and Opportunity International have joined forces to introduce FarmerAI, a digital tool designed to enhance productivity, improve food security, and boost farmers’ earnings.
How FarmerAI Works
The AI chatbot uses generative AI technology to provide tailored, region-specific agricultural advice. Farmers can interact with FarmerAI through SMS and WhatsApp, making it accessible even to those without smartphones or stable internet connections.
Some of the key farming topics that FarmerAI will address include:
- Weather forecasts – Helping farmers plan their planting and harvesting seasons effectively.
- Pest and disease control – Offering guidance on how to prevent and manage common crop diseases.
- Fertilizer recommendations – Advising on the best fertilizers to use for different soil types.
- Market price updates – Providing farmers with up-to-date pricing information to help them sell their produce at competitive rates.
The pilot phase of this initiative is set to run until August, targeting 800–1,000 farmers in key agricultural regions across Kenya.
Safaricom’s Vision for AI in Agriculture
Speaking about the launch, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized that AI is shaping the future of various industries, including agriculture.
“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 biggest challenges smallholder farmers face today is access to reliable information at the right time—whether it’s about what to plant, when to plant, or weather advisories. This chatbot will give them accurate, verifiable answers to guide their decisions.”
Opportunity International’s Chief Technology Officer, Greg Nelson, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the tool will bridge the knowledge gap and empower farmers with actionable insights.
“AI is already transforming the world around us, but its impact on underserved communities is truly remarkable. This partnership with Safaricom’s DigiFarm allows us to make agricultural knowledge more accessible, equitable, and actionable for smallholder farmers across Kenya.”
Bridging the Digital Divide for Smallholder Farmers
A major concern in rural Kenya is limited internet access and high connectivity costs, which often prevent small-scale farmers from benefiting from digital innovations. To address this, Safaricom and Opportunity International have ensured that FarmerAI operates on low-cost and widely available channels like SMS and WhatsApp.
The project also integrates human-centered design strategies, meaning farmers will be actively engaged in the development process. Regular feedback from smallholder farmers, particularly potato growers in the pilot phase, will help fine-tune the chatbot to meet their needs effectively.
What’s Next for FarmerAI?
Following the pilot phase, the partners aim to expand the reach of FarmerAI to thousands more farmers across Kenya. The chatbot is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, improve income levels, and contribute to food security by making expert farming advice readily available.
As digital transformation accelerates across Kenya, FarmerAI could become a game-changer for millions of smallholder farmers, helping them make smarter, data-driven farming decisions. With AI now stepping into agriculture, Kenya’s small-scale farmers could be on the verge of a new era of tech-driven farming success.
