Empowering Ethiopian Farmers with Data-Driven Resources
Wheat is central to Ethiopia’s agriculture and national food security. As the second-largest wheat producer in Sub-Saharan Africa—supporting nearly 10% of the continent’s population—the country plays a vital regional role. Yet production is constrained by a persistent gap between actual and potential yields.
Smallholder farmers, who make up at least 35% of producers, often work with limited land and resources, restricting productivity. Many lack access to timely, locally relevant guidance to adopt best practices or respond to changing conditions—highlighting the need for scalable, tailored solutions.
Measuring the Effectiveness of a Wheat Chat Bot
With support from the Gates Foundation, AIR is evaluating a digital advisory tool built around a Telegram-based chatbot that delivers real-time, customized guidance to wheat farmers. Using machine learning, the system provides site-specific fertilizer and agronomic recommendations, shifting away from traditional one-size-fits-all extension approaches.
AIR’s evaluation assesses whether farmers receiving recommendations are more likely to adopt improved practices and increase productivity and income. It also examines how farmers engage with digital tools and how these tools shape decision-making.
In 2026, AIR collected data from 2,470 wheat farmers across three regions, combining survey responses with GPS plot data for more precise analysis. Early findings suggest strong uptake through extension agents, who use the chatbot in group sessions and during farm visits.
Overall, the project highlights the potential of delivering precise, accessible recommendations at scale to close productivity gaps, strengthen resilience, and support better decision-making for farmers.
