Our Collaboration with IAPRI
At iSDA, we’re excited to work alongside the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) to promote our innovative Virtual Agronomist AI advisory service. Initially, IAPRI used local media to reach farmers in the pilot districts of Kapiri-Mposhi and Monze through community radio. However, as interest grew, they decided to scale the outreach to a national level. This led them to partner with the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to create a documentary that highlights the benefits of Virtual Agronomist’s AI technology.
This documentary, produced in collaboration with ZNBC, includes conversations with key stakeholders. IAPRI engaged the Zambian Minister of Agriculture, who is also an ambassador for the “Farmer Know Your Soil” campaign. The campaign encourages farmers to use Virtual Agronomist to better understand their soil properties and receive farm-specific fertilizer recommendations.
The documentary also features testimonies from farmers who have adopted this technology. Their stories illustrate how data-driven soil analysis can enhance farming practices and boost yields, showing the real impact of Virtual Agronomist on the ground.
Building Capacity for Better Farming
As partners in this effort, we at iSDA contributed by providing insights and demonstrations. Our representative, Paul, emphasized the importance of knowing your soil and creating precise fertilizer recommendations based on accurate data. We demonstrated how farmers can use our Virtual Agronomist service not only to understand soil properties but also to diagnose pests and diseases, showcasing the comprehensive support Virtual Agronomist offers.
Beyond the documentary, we collaborated with IAPRI to train their staff on leveraging the Virtual Agronomist to address key issues like soil health and good agronomic practices for major crops such as soybean and maize. This training equips field personnel with the knowledge needed to guide farmers in making informed, data-based decisions that promote sustainable farming.
Looking Ahead
By broadening the scope of this awareness campaign and working with national broadcasters, we aim to empower more farmers across Zambia. The combination of strong media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and practical demonstrations is helping to transform the way Zambian farmers approach soil health and farm management. Together with IAPRI, we’re proud to contribute to this journey toward smarter, more productive, and sustainable agriculture.
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To learn more about our Virtual Agronomist AI advisory service, click here.
