AI and Agriculture: Using AI To Provide Quick and Effective Advice to Farmers with Dr William Derban

Episode #166 with Dr William Derban, Head of Programs and Partnerships at the Digital Innovations Group for Opportunity International, defining technical standards, developing business strategy, and negotiating collaborations across mobile money, mobile/cell-phone banking, and agent banking.

Opportunity International is at the forefront of leveraging AI to bridge the gap between technology and smallholder farmers in Africa. Through initiatives like UlangiziAI in Malawi and the recent FarmerAI pilots in Kenya and Ghana, the organisation is redefining how underserved communities access crucial agricultural knowledge. By integrating AI-driven solutions with a human-centred approach, they empower farmers to combat climate change, boost productivity, and build resilience.

In this episode, we explore how AI is being used to democratise agricultural knowledge, the challenges of last-mile implementation, and the ethical considerations of deploying AI in vulnerable communities.

What We Discuss With William

• The impact of digital initiatives on smallholder farmers in Africa, improving productivity, market access, and financial inclusion.
• Strategies to make AI-driven solutions like UlangiziAI accessible to farmers with limited digital literacy, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use.
• The challenges of integrating AI into smallholder farming and the solutions implemented to overcome them.
• How AI can help underserved communities and make sure its benefits reach everyone, not just wealthier nations.
• The main challenges in expanding AI-powered farming solutions across Africa and how they can be overcome.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Increasing Japan-Africa Business Opportunities Through AI & Technology? Make sure to check it out!

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Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu

Connect with William:
LinkedIn - Dr William Derban
Twitter (X) - @OpportunityIntl

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