by Aberton Okoth and Patricia Njoki
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning, and creativity. In agriculture, AI can revolutionize the sector by increasing productivity, addressing post-harvest losses, improving value chains, and creating jobs. Sweet potato farming in Kenya is predominantly small-scale, with yields ranging between 10,000 kilogrammes and 15,000 kilogrammes per acre. Sweet potato has been identified as a Bottom-up Transformation Agenda (BETA) priority value chain crop for achieving food security.
Though sweet potato is weather-resilient and has a low input requirement, farmers struggle with challenges that keep them from maximizing their returns. The challenges include low quality production, post-harvest losses, pests and diseases, an unorganized market system, low value addition and poor-quality inputs. Leveraging on AI can help mitigate these challenges through innovations such as sensors for environmental monitoring, predictive analytics for market price forecasting, and AI-powered data analysis to identify consumer trends. This blog discusses how AI can enhance sweet potato production and create jobs in the country.
Status of Sweet Potato Production in Kenya
Kenya ranks seventh in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in sweet potato production, with an average yield of 8.2 tons per hectare, far below the crop’s potential yield of 50 tons per hectare. The crop is primarily grown in regions such as Lake Victoria, the Rift Valley, Coastal, and Central Kenya. Despite being climate-resilient, its production potential remains under-utilized due to challenges that can be mitigated with AI solutions.
There are notable AI applications in Kenya for agriculture, such as:
- PlantVillage Nuru, a mobile app that uses TensorFlow learning to detect pests and diseases. It has been adopted by over 10,000 farmers, increasing their yields by up to 40 per cent.
- UjuziKilimo’s SoilPal, a device that provides real-time soil analysis (nutrient content, moisture, pH), benefiting 30,000 farmers, with reported yield increases of over 40 per cent.
- ThirdEye Project by Future Water uses drone sensors to monitor crop stress, improving resource utilization for 2,044 farmers, who reported yield increases of 20 per cent.
- In terms of market linkages, AI-enabled platforms such as Twiga Foods, Esoko, and Safaricom’s DigiFarm connect farmers to buyers, streamlining supply chains.
While the uptake of AI in sweet potato farming remains low, the potential for job creation with value chain expansion is significant, requiring expertise in areas such as agronomy, soil science, and drone operation.
Enabling Policy Environment
AI adoption in Kenya operates under general laws such as the Data Protection Act (2019), Data Protection Regulations (2021), and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018). However, these laws do not address AI-specific applications in agriculture. Draft policies such as the National AI Strategy, the Robotics and AI Society Bill, and the AI Code of Practice, are yet to be finalized, leaving a regulatory gap for AI deployment in farming.
Challenges to Adoption of AI
- Policy gaps: Absence of a comprehensive legal framework hinders the widespread adoption of AI in agriculture. Policies to regulate and incentivize AI use in farming remain in draft form.
- Skills gaps: The use of AI in sweet potato farming requires specialized skills in operating drones, sensors, and analyzing market data. The limited expertise among farmers poses a barrier to adoption.
- Limited AI research and innovation: Research into AI applications for sweet potato farming is still minimal. Only 49 per cent of AI deployments focus on agriculture, highlighting the need for more research specific to sweet potato farming.
- Poor internet and electricity access: Most sweet potato farming occurs in rural areas where limited access to Internet and reliable electricity hinders the full implementation of AI technologies, many of which rely on smartphones and continuous power supply.
Opportunities for New and Decent Jobs in AI Adoption
- New jobs: AI-driven sweet potato farming can create jobs across the value chain, from agronomy and drone operation to supply chain management and market optimization. Value addition industries such as sweet potato flour production, baked goods, and animal feed also offer significant employment potential.
- Increased productivity: AI can optimize planting, irrigation, and fertilization through real-time data from sensors or drones. This increases labour productivity while conserving resources, ensuring sustainable farming practices.
- Increased income: AI applications can detect pests and diseases early, allowing farmers to take timely action. These technologies minimize crop damage and reducing losses, increasing yields and income for farmers.
- Market access: AI can enhance market access by predicting price fluctuations and helping farmers determine the best time to sell their produce. Digital platforms can connect farmers directly with buyers, fostering a more organized and profitable market system.
Recommendations
- Finalize the AI legal framework: The Government to fast-track the completion of the draft Robotics and AI Society Bill (2023), and the AI Code of Practice. A comprehensive legal framework will encourage investment in AI and mitigate associated risks.
- Capacity building: The Ministry of ICT to collaborate with the private sector to enhance AI training programmes. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the development of AI skills and increase technological adoption. This will ensure a workforce capable of managing AI systems in agriculture.
- Invest in AI research and innovation: The Ministry of Agriculture through the Kenya Agricultural and Livestoch Research Organization (KARLO) and the Ministry of ICT to invest in AI research for development, specific to sweet potato production. Developing localized AI solutions tailored to Kenya farming conditions will make these technologies more accessible and effective for small-scale farmers.
- Improve digital infrastructure: The Government to expand Internet and electricity access in rural areas to support the adoption of AI. Providing affordable, reliable Internet and electricity connectivity will enable farmers to use AI applications effectively.
