A recent report from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) highlights that agriculture is the leading sector for AI applications in Kenya, encompassing 49% of all AI deployments. The “AI for Africa” report shows that AI is extensively used in agriculture for providing data-driven advice to farmers, enhancing productivity, and promoting climate-smart farming practices.
In Kenya, companies like Apollo Agriculture are utilizing machine learning to develop alternative credit assessment methods, thereby aiding farmers with financial services. AI applications in agriculture also include advisory services delivered via mobile devices, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and mobile device ownership among farmers. The report underscores the role of AI in improving food security and optimizing agricultural practices, crucial in a country where agriculture significantly contributes to the economy and employs a substantial portion of the population​.
The GSMA report indicates that Kenya, along with Nigeria and South Africa, is at the forefront of adopting AI in agriculture, benefiting from vibrant tech ecosystems. In Kenya, AI innovations are being incorporated into existing digital products and services to enhance their relevance and efficiency. For example, companies like TomorrowNow and ThriveAgric offer farm-level insights to optimize farming practices.
The report also highlights that the potential economic impact of AI in Africa is substantial, with projections suggesting that AI could boost the continent’s economic growth by $2.9 trillion by 2030. Besides agriculture, AI applications are also significant in areas such as climate action (26%) and energy (24%). In Kenya, AI is used for biodiversity monitoring and wildlife protection, driven by initiatives from large tech companies and non-profit organizations​.
Overall, the integration of AI into agriculture in Kenya is helping to address challenges such as low productivity and climate change, providing farmers with the tools and information needed to improve yields and ensure food security. The focus on mobile-enabled solutions underscores the importance of digital skills and access to technology for the country’s agricultural future.
