At iSDA, we are committed to revolutionising agriculture across Africa by empowering farmers with valuable agronomic knowledge. Our Virtual Agronomist AI Advisory service is designed to equip farmers with actionable insights tailored to their unique needs. Recent testimonials from Mwea, Kenya, where rice farming thrives, reveal the profound impact of this technology.
Mohammed Yusuf from Voice of America recently visited farmers in Mwea, including Henry Gichobi, who shared how Virtual Agronomist has transformed his approach to farming. By leveraging Virtual Agronomist’s AI-driven analysis, Henry now makes data-informed decisions about fertilisers and chemicals, resulting in a dramatic increase in yield. “Before this technology, I was harvesting less than 20 bags. Now, I harvest 26 bags and above,” he said. With precise satellite imagery and soil nutrient data, Henry receives recommendations that maximise his productivity while reducing unnecessary input costs.
Farmers like Nicholas Kinyua have also reported significant benefits. “I was applying a lot of chemicals on my farm and now I am using less money compared to when I was planting using traditional methods,” he noted. His yields have also increased from 20 to 26 bags, highlighting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Virtual Agronomist.
For Judy Gakuya, the tool has not only improved her farming practices but also brought a sense of fulfilment. “I used too much fertilizer in the past, which cost me a lot and left me unhappy. But now I feel so happy visiting my farm,” she shared, optimistic about a higher yield this season.
To date, over 30,000 farmers in Africa, including half in Kenya, have incorporated our Virtual Agronomist AI advisory service into their agronomic practices to enhance the cultivation of crops such as maize, coffee, barley, and rice. By learning from top-performing farmers in their localities, the system provides recommendations to help others close the yield gap. As Patrick Wanyaka, our field technician at iSDA explains, “If the best farmer is doing 30 bags and another is only doing 20, we provide recommendations to help bring that farmer up to the same level as the best in their area.”
At iSDA, we recognise that traditional methods can be difficult to shift, but the results speak for themselves. Our mission is to provide farmers with the tools to adapt, grow, and thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. Virtual Agronomist is more than a technology; it is a partner in securing food security and economic sustainability for farmers across the continent.
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