Achieving Greater Yields and Increased Profits
To bridge the gap between technology and the 100,000 households they serve, hundreds of Farmer Support Agents (FSAs) have been trained to act as intermediaries. This approach ensures that farmers without access to mobile phones can still receive valuable information. Given their extensive knowledge, FSAs are equipped to provide insightful responses that help farmers apply Ulangizi recommendations to address any questions or concerns they may have.
Typically, smallholder farmers only produce a fraction of their potential yield, which limits their financial growth. However, when they adopt a more business-oriented approach to farming, it often leads to transformative improvements in their lives. Ulangizi AI is empowering these farmers to expand their operations, increase their livestock, hire additional labor, and contribute to the economic growth of their communities. By utilizing the chatbot, farmers are gaining knowledge on better crop care practices, resulting in more abundant harvests. According to Ama Akuamoah, Director of Market Engagement at Opportunity International, “The ability of farmers to save their livelihoods depends on how quickly they can identify challenges and find solutions.”
The chatbot provides farmers with detailed information on seed requirements per acre, along with_weather forecasts, giving them a competitive edge over unpredictable weather conditions. Furthermore, when their crops are thriving, market data helps them determine the optimal time to harvest and sell, maximizing their profits. Opportunity’s FSAs are also educating farmers on more sustainable and regenerative land stewardship practices. As a result, farmers will have more leisure time to acquire new skills or start alternative businesses, and they can utilize the extra income to support their families and improve their homes.
Opportunity International expects that investments in AI will reduce the cost of training new FSAs by more than two-thirds, enabling the organization to expand its FSA program further. Ulangizi AI will facilitate the rapid education of new FSAs and empower them with the knowledge necessary to support millions of smallholder farmers. This initiative marks the beginning of Opportunity’s efforts to leverage technology, with plans to develop a suite of AI-powered solutions aimed at promoting agriculture, education, and upward mobility in countries such as Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond.
