Telecommunication company Safaricom PLC and global Non-Governmental Organization Opportunity International have launched a new Artificial Intelligence chatbot for smallholder farmers in Kenya.
FarmerAI, an innovative AI chatbot, aims to provide real-time, relevant farming best practices to smallholder farmers in underserved communities.
Speaking during the launch, Opportunity International Chief Technology Officer Greg Nelson said farmerAI will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.
“AI is already transforming the world around us, but the impact this technology can have on underserved communities is truly impactful. Above all, this partnership underscores Opportunity International’s and DigiFarm’s shared mission to uplift smallholder farmers,” said Greg Nelson.
FarmerAI combines generative AI with localized agricultural insights, delivering vital information on weather patterns, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices.
The chatbot will reach farmers directly through accessible channels such as SMS and WhatsApp. Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which digitally connects thousands of farmers, will provide the platforms for farmers to interact seamlessly with the AI chatbot.
“AI is a critical part of the present and the future. Our mission at Safaricom is to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. In line with this, we are committed to bringing to our customers and stakeholders technological solutions that will positively impact them. FarmerAI is the first solution we are bringing to farmers that enables them to interact with AI and feel the power of that technology,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa.
“One of the challenges that farmers face today is access to the right information at the right time such as what to plant, when to plant, and weather advisory among others. This AI chatbot will allow smallholder farmers access verifiable information on common questions to guide their decisions,” he added.
With an initial pilot running from now through August—aligned with the potato crop cycle—the project aims to enroll 800–1,000 farmers across key regions of Kenya by year’s end.
As per a 2022 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the agricultural sector contributes roughly 22.4% to the country’s total GDP, and smallholder farmers make up around 5.6 million of the overall farmer population.
By actively working to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where connectivity and cost are often barriers, Opportunity International and DigiFarm aim to bolster food security, increase incomes, and foster long-term economic resilience for smallholder farming communities across Kenya.