The Ulangizi app, meaning “advice” in Chichewa, serves as a digital bridge to expert agricultural knowledge through WhatsApp. Utilizing AI technology akin to ChatGPT and Malawi’s agricultural extension manual, the app offers tailored recommendations for pest management, planting methods, fertilization, soil care, and animal husbandry. Users can interact by typing questions, sending voice messages, or uploading photos of distressed plants or animals. Developed by Opportunity International Malawi, this tool aims to enhance rural livelihoods using digital technologies, especially in remote areas where government extension workers may not be present. The app has gained significance following Cyclone Freddy’s devastation in early 2023, which displaced over 500,000 people and destroyed agricultural land. Richard Chongo, Country Director at Opportunity International Malawi, emphasizes its role as a resilience tool, assisting farmers not only with immediate agricultural advice but also in preparing for future challenges and recovery.
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