Smallholder Farmers in Kenya to Gain Access to AI Chatbot for Real-Time Agricultural Insights
Smallholder farmers in Kenya are set to benefit from a groundbreaking new AI chatbot, FarmerAI, launched by Safaricom PLC and global NGO Opportunity International. Announced on February 6th, 2025, the chatbot aims to provide real-time, relevant farming best practices to smallholder farmers in underserved communities. The pilot project will run from February through August 2025, aligned with the potato crop cycle, and aims to enroll between 800 and 1,000 farmers across key regions of Kenya by the end of the year.
“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, Chief Technology Officer at Opportunity International. “Our partnership, and this new tool, will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.”
FarmerAI leverages generative AI and localized agricultural insights, providing crucial information to farmers on weather patterns, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices. Unlike other agricultural solutions that rely on field agent networks, FarmerAI will reach farmers directly through accessible channels such as SMS and WhatsApp, ensuring that even those in rural areas with limited internet access can benefit. Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which connects thousands of farmers digitally, will serve as the platform enabling farmers to interact seamlessly with the AI chatbot.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the agricultural sector contributes approximately 22.4% to the country’s total GDP, with smallholder farmers making up around 5.6 million of the overall farmer population.
The pilot will operate under a co-branded model, featuring both DigiFarm and Opportunity International branding. This collaboration reflects the commitment of both organizations to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector by equipping farmers with tools to increase their yields and improve access to financing.
“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 advisories, among others. This AI chatbot will allow smallholder farmers access to verifiable information on common questions to guide their decisions,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom.
FarmerAI is built on human-centered design strategies, with end-user engagement being a key foundation of the development process. During the pilot, there will be regular digital and in-person engagement with potato farmers to ensure the chatbot remains responsive to their needs and challenges.
“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,” Ndegwa added.
Through this initiative, Opportunity International and DigiFarm are working to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where connectivity and cost often pose significant barriers. By providing smallholder farmers with access to real-time, actionable information, the partners aim to bolster food security, increase incomes, and foster long-term economic resilience for farming communities across Kenya.
About Opportunity International
Opportunity International is a global non-profit organization that has been empowering people to work their way out of poverty since 1971. The organization provides 18.7 million people with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school.
