Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom has launched a new AI chatbot for smallholder farmers in underserved communities in Kenya.
Known as FarmerAI, the chatbot has been launched in partnership with Global NGO, Opportunity International.
The chatbot is aimed at providing real-time, relevant farming best practices to the farmers with an initial pilot running from now through August.
FarmerAI combines generative AI with localized agricultural insights, delivering vital information on topics like weather patterns, fertilizer application, pest management, and market prices. Unlike other solutions that rely on a field agent network, FarmerAI will go directly to farmers through accessible channels such as SMS and WhatsApp.
Safaricom’s DigiFarm service, which digitally connects thousands of farmers, will provide the platforms needed for farmers to interact seamlessly with the AI chatbot.
“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 Opportunity International Chief Technology Officer Greg Nelson.
“Our partnership, and this new tool, will make agricultural information more accessible, actionable, and equitable for everyone.”
Throughout the pilot, FarmerAI will operate under a co-branded model, featuring both DigiFarm and Opportunity International branding. The project aims to enroll 800–1,000 farmers across key regions of Kenya by year’s end.
“FarmerAI is the first solution we are bringing to farmers that enables them to interact with AI and feel the power of that technology. ‘’Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom said.
‘’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..
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.
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