In Mulanje, Malawi, 59-year-old farmer Alex Maere faced devastation after Cyclone Freddy destroyed his farm, leaving him with just 8 kilograms of corn instead of the usual 850 kilograms. To adapt to the changing climate and improve productivity, he turned to an AI-powered chatbot, Ulangizi, developed by Opportunity International, which provides farming advice in Chichewa and English. The Malawian government supports this initiative, recognizing the significant role of agriculture in the economy, with over 80% of citizens relying on farming for their livelihoods. By following the chatbot’s advice, Maere succeeded in diversifying his crops and earned over $800 from potato sales, significantly improving his family’s situation. Despite challenges like low literacy and limited internet access, Ulangizi connects farmers with essential resources. As AI technology grows, there’s potential for substantial agricultural advancements, yet trust and accessibility remain critical for sustainable use. The future of farming in Malawi may rely on blending AI with community support.
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