AI is a solution to shield farmers from unfavourable weather, expert says

A girl drives away goats at Lokiwach water pan in Silale ward in Baringo county. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Artificial Technology is expected to improve sustainable farming by helping farmers to forecast weather conditions.

Julia Carvalho, IBM general manager, has said AI will help farmers across Africa better address drought and flooding.

"AI apps will help small-holder farmers maximise crop output despite unpredictable weather conditions by providing risk forecasts and crop advice for a 3-4km radius of a farm and will also allow information sharing – including via SMS for farmers without access to the Internet or a smartphone."

In a statement, Carvalho added that AI will open up horizons for the agriculture ecosystem, allowing farmers to produce more with fewer resources, and consequently to be more efficient, profitable and sustainable.

The increased use of AI isn’t limited to organisations and businesses. AI is playing a key role in crucial industries such as agriculture as well. It can help to deliver data analytics and predictive insights to help farmers make better-informed decisions.

"This will lead to improved agricultural outputs that boost food security."

Technologies such as AI can be used by farmers to gather information about their crops and give them the insights they need to make decisions quickly. 

A recent IBM report revealed that 80 per cent of companies stated they had plans to roll out some form of automation software over the next year.  

The National Drought Management Authority in its report last November indicated that the county had received below-normal rains and water levels in most water sources were also below normal.

The report further revealed that children under five years were at risk of malnutrition if the drought continues to ravage the regions.

Last October, Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa launched a food distribution exercise where some 3,000 bags of rice and 3,000 bags of beans were given to starving residents of Mogotio, Baringo South, Baringo North, Baringo Central and Tiaty sub-counties.

County Commissioner Abdrizak Jaldesa last month said a timetable has been drawn for the supply of water to schools and trading centres in drought-hit areas.

Jaldesa said the situation is deteriorating in Samburu North, Samburu East and Samburu Central sub-counties.

“The county steering group committee has already made its report. Pastures are diminishing and functional water sources, including dams and boreholes, are becoming fewer,” he said.

Jaldesa said his office is working together with other partners to ensure that people are cushioned from the effects of drought.