In Burkina Faso, farmers are experiencing improved crop yields due to the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Utilizing a smartphone application developed by PlantVillage at Penn State University, farmers can identify health issues in crops by comparing images to a vast database of plant diseases and pests. This AI-driven app, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future Innovation Lab, aids in making informed decisions regarding the use of fertilizers and pesticides, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
The application is utilized across a variety of crops and has been reported to increase yields by up to 30%. The technology's adoption comes at a crucial time, as Africa faces pressing food security challenges, exacerbated by climate change and a growing global population. The U.S. has invested significantly in combating these issues, with efforts extending to improving soil quality and developing climate-resilient crops.
Moreover, AI is increasingly being leveraged to enhance global food security, with initiatives ranging from developing better seeds to predicting crop yields. PlantVillage's efforts in Africa include distributing smartphones and training farmers in multiple countries to use the app effectively. The initiative also focuses on youth employment, providing young individuals with opportunities to contribute to their communities by training farmers and monitoring crop data.
Source: ug.usembassy.gov