Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI)

In a recent interview with Linda van Tilburg from BizNews, I had the opportunity to discuss the groundbreaking #AIFarmer platform, developed by CohesionX and the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI). This Generative AI tool is already revolutionizing agriculture by providing family farmers with real-time, data-driven answers to their pressing challenges. AI Farmer is not just a game-changer for South Africa; it's a beacon of hope for the 570 million smallholders globally who can now access vital information in more than 83 languages, bridging the gap where too few experts can reach. But we’re not stopping here! On 24 September 2024, I will be presenting at the World Trade Organization thematic session on Transfer of Technology in Agriculture. This session will explore how innovations like AI Farmer can enhance agricultural resilience, tackle food security challenges, and promote sustainable farming, especially in developing regions like Africa. Thank you to the World Farmers' Organisation for arranging this opportunity. #Agriculture #TechInAg #AIFarmer #SAAI #SustainableFarming #WTO #FoodSecurity #ClimateChange Watch the interview here: https://lnkd.in/d3pcaHxe

Yesterday marked a significant milestone with the launch of Stellenbosch Landbou, an independent student organisation dedicated to fostering leadership and innovation in agriculture. Held at the beautiful La Boucher on the Slaley Wine Estate, this initiative brings together students from the University of Stellenbosch, Elsenburg, and surrounding institutions who share a passion for agriculture, rural life, and family-based enterprises. Stellenbosch Landbou will connect with the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI) student wing, creating a robust network that spans Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and beyond. This collaboration opens doors to international study opportunities, scholarships, work placements, and enriching social interactions, all free from the constraints of heavily regulated environments. Last week, a bus full of Stellenbosch University students attended Kaap Nampo as guests of GRAIN SA/GRAAN SA, engaging with sponsors, high-tech companies, and biotech researchers. This is just the beginning of many such opportunities! As Meent Borcherds, Chairperson of Stellenbosch Agriculture, aptly put it, "Stellenbosch Landbou is a leadership development platform for students by students, designed to create a richer student experience with a rural focus." At Saai, we believe that Stellenbosch Landbou fills a crucial gap in South Africa's agricultural student network. It provides an essential voice in national debates among future rural leaders. We are committed to offering our student members opportunities to participate in international platforms such as the World Agriculture Organization's Gymnasium, the COP Climate Summit, the Commission for Food Security, and the youth programs of the FAO. We look forward to collaborating with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch, their student organizations, and Elsenburg to further enrich this initiative. Thank you to Zoetis and Case IH for making this possible! #Agriculture #Leadership #StudentOrganization #StellenboschLandbou #Saai

Another great use case: A rural tomato farmer reached out with a question about Cypermethrin—specifically, how to apply the product safely and effectively to protect his crops. Within moments, #AIFarmer provided clear, easy-to-understand guidance on Cypermethrin application, including dosage, safety precautions, and best practices. The AI didn't stop there. It offered step-by-step instructions tailored to the farmer's specific crop and conditions. And just as importantly, it remains ready to answer follow-up questions, ensuring that farmers fully grasp the advice and can apply it confidently. This case demonstrates the power of AI not only to convey complex product information but also to break it down into actionable insights, all while remaining accessible and responsive to further clarification. AI Farmer is more than just a tool—it's a partner in helping farmers make informed decisions in real time. 🚜💡 Thank you to our technology partners at CohesionX for making this possible! #AIinAgriculture #AIForFarmers #AgriculturalInnovation #FarmingSolutions #DataDrivenFarming

Just recently, a farmer from Limpopo posed a question to our AI about how the recent Poultry and Sugar Master Plans (published by Parliamentary Monitoring Group) affected his specific situation. In a matter of moments, #AIFarmer gave him a clear, concise response tailored to his farm's needs. No need to comb through lengthy documents – farmers can now ask specific questions about legislation, regulations, and products, and get answers that are relevant to them. At the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), we understand that farmers don’t have the luxury of spending their days in the fields and their nights researching agricultural policies or regulations. This is the future of farming: AI-powered conversations with big data. Farmers can even ask follow-up questions if they need further clarity or understanding. By leveraging this technology, we’re not just giving farmers information – we’re giving them the power to make informed decisions, faster than ever before. Thank you to our Technology partners CohesionX for making this possible. We are proud to be part of this revolution. Download AI Farmer here: 🔸iPhone: https://lnkd.in/d-ba7_vE 🔹Android: https://bit.ly/4fWz9QI 🚜💡 #Agriculture #AIInFarming #Saai #AI #FarmingInnovation #DataDrivenFarming

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