NAIROBI, Kenya,Feb 7 – Safaricom and Opportunity International have collaborated to introduce FarmerAI, an innovative AI chatbot designed to provide smallholder farmers in Kenya with real-time, personalized agricultural support.
The partnership aims to assist up to 1,000 potato farmers across the country by the end of the year, with an initial pilot running through August 2025, aligned with Kenya’s potato crop cycle.
According to the partners,the platform seeks to offer guidance on a range of topics, including weather forecasts, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices.
It seeks to depart from the traditional reliance on field agents and instead use accessible channels like SMS and WhatsApp, making it easier for farmers in rural areas to access the information they need.
The initiative is supported by Safaricom’s DigiFarm platform to connect thousands of farmers through digital tools.
“AI is transforming the world, and the ability of this technology to serve underserved communities is powerful,” said Greg Nelson, Chief Technology Officer at Opportunity International.
“FarmerAI will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.”
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, on his part, emphasized the company’s commitment to using technology to empower farmers.
“This chatbot will empower smallholder farmers to make informed decisions on planting, weather patterns, and market conditions, ultimately increasing their yields,” he said.
The pilot program is designed to engage 800 to 1,000 farmers in key regions of Kenya and will operate under a co-branded model with both Opportunity International and DigiFarm branding.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort to support the agricultural sector in Kenya, where smallholder farmers play a crucial role in the economy.
