A young Malawian graduate Cossam Kumbukani Kabaghe has developed an innovative AI-driven application called “Nthaka Initiative” to empower local farmers and enhance farming efficiency.
“By leveraging Artificial Intelligence in farming, we can demonstrate innovative solutions to complex problems faced by farmers and transform their lives.”
In this capacity, the AI-technology comes in to help farmers who cannot afford to read, write and access information regarding their farming activities due to shortages of agriculture extension workers in their localities.
“What happens is that for example, if a farmer wants to know how to make fertilizer, he or she can have a normal conversation with the AI and voice out their concerns,’’ he said.
He said that before a farmer gets a response, on hand held device, the AI will transcribe the conversation into English and other languages and also help in outsourcing the related information from multiple sources to be analyzed by the authorities.
The 24-year-old graduate from the University of Malawi, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Network engineering, explained that the Nthaka Initiative will enhance soil fertility retention by equipping farmers with information on effective, eco-friendly methods to maintain and improve soil fertility.
“We aim to reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical fertilisers, thereby fostering long-term soil health and environmental conservation,” said Kabaghe.
Kabaghe, who hails from Wenya Village in Chitipa district, revealed that the motivation behind the Nthaka Initiative stems from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.
“As we lead the charge to revolutionise the agricultural industry in this country, we have to remember that the rising prices of inorganic fertilizers have made them increasingly inaccessible to small-scale farmers, leading to declining yields and profitability,” he said.
Kabaghe emphasised that the Nthaka Initiative seeks to promote regenerative agricultural practices to restore and maintain soil health.
He noted that while the initiative holds great promise, it also faces several challenges, including technical, financial, social, and environmental aspects.
To ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the Nthaka Initiative, Kabaghe outlined a clear roadmap to expand its impact and continuously improve its effectiveness.
“About future plans, we focus on enhancing the platform, reaching more farmers and addressing evolving agricultural challenges,” he said.
Kabaghe encouraged farmers to embrace the Nthaka Initiative, not only as a tool but also a partner in their farming journey.
He also called upon the government to support the initiative by creating policies that encourage organic farming, providing subsidies for sustainable practices, and investing in technological advancements for agriculture.
“Together, we can build a self-reliant farming sector that reduces dependency on imports, empowers our farmers, and sets Malawi on a path toward agricultural resilience and prosperity,” said Kabaghe.
For more information about the Nthaka Initiative, you can contact Cossam Kumbukani Kabaghe on +265 883 39 57 58.
