In Tanzania, smallholder farmers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) through the innovative KilimoAI mobile application, which facilitates rapid crop disease diagnosis. Developed by Dr. Neema Mduma and Hudson Laizer, this user-friendly app analyzes photos of affected leaves to identify diseases instantly, significantly reducing crop losses and enhancing rural livelihoods. Available for free on the Google Play Store, KilimoAI operates on basic Android smartphones, already common among farmers.
Addressing the urgent need for accessible disease diagnosis, the app offers instant analysis by evaluating leaf visuals and suggesting appropriate actions. Collaborating with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), KilimoAI promotes approved pesticide use and integrated pest management.
Since its pilot launch, it has reached tens of thousands of users, with ambitions to expand to 400,000 by 2030. As farmers experience improved yields and increased food security, KilimoAI demonstrates the potential of AI to transform agricultural practices in rural Tanzania.
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