Generative AI for Agriculture Advisory
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technology offers enormous potential by addressing information asymmetries and rapidly advancing research. In the agriculture sector, it can localize digital advisory messages and increase the accessibility of such messages to reduce the digital divide compared to traditional, non-AI communication methods. Using natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) offers new potential to disseminate complex scientific information more widely, in local dialects and through various formats, transforming accessibility. This project will explore the potential to deliver advisories based on CABI’s highly curated and expert-validated resources to plant doctors and other agriculture advisors via Generative AI chatbot technology, and the data governance and licensing necessary to ensure the quality of such advisories.
Enabling FAIR data sharing and responsible data use
This project focuses on enabling FAIR data across agricultural development investments by turning principles into practice. CABI supports partners to make data more findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable through measurable FAIR assessments, domain-specific guidance and trusted data access frameworks. By embedding governance into programme design and funding decisions, and clarifying what “AI-ready” data requires, the project strengthens data ecosystems, improving data reuse, reducing duplication and increasing the value of development investments.
Guiding Acid Soil Management Investments in Africa
The effects of soil acidity on agricultural soils in Africa are a major constraint to crop production and sustainable intensification of the African smallholder farming system. To cope, the existing method is to apply blanket or spatially undifferentiated approaches including the use of lime. This project aims to devise interventions to rehabilitate soils in East Africa by understanding and communicating the differences in soil acidity and how to cost-effectively correct them. Based on data, recommendations will guide investments into appropriate and targeted approaches from the public and private sector, ensuring a maximum return on investment for farmers, governments and the private sector. In this project, CABI’s focus is on enhancing access to, and use of, data related to acid soil management including soil and agronomy data which would lead to evidence-based decisions for investments.
Enabling vegetable business development in East Africa
Consuming vegetables as part of a daily diet is extremely beneficial to the health and wellbeing of individuals. A healthy diet can help prevent non-communicable diseases. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, vegetable consumption is the lowest of any region in the world. Problems within the vegetable supply and value chain, including pests and the use of harmful pesticides, are causing losses and high levels of residues. CABI is working with the ‘Veggies 4 Planet & People’ project to help increase healthy vegetable production and consumption in Kenya and Ethiopia.