AI technology is transforming agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, with farmers like Maere reaping benefits from new crop strategies. After adapting to changing soil conditions by growing potatoes, Maere boosted his income by over $800, alleviating concerns about school fees for his children. In a region where smallholder farms contribute up to 70-80% of food supply, AI enhances productivity by helping identify crop diseases, forecast droughts, and design effective fertilizers. Investment in agri-tech surged from $10 million in 2014 to $600 million in 2022, according to the World Bank. However, challenges persist: language diversity, low literacy rates, and limited digital infrastructure hinder AI’s effectiveness. In Malawi, the WhatsApp-based app Ulangizi aims to address these issues by providing responses in both Chichewa and English. Human support agents also play a vital role, improving farmer productivity through community collaboration. Trust in AI solutions is critical for widespread adoption and success.
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