In a world where small farms often struggle against economic uncertainty and climate change, a new initiative in Barbados is emerging as a beacon of hope. The island nation is leveraging generative AI technology to equip its smallholder farmers with the tools they need to enhance productivity and boost incomes. This innovative approach is spearheaded by AGRIVI, a London-based company known for its farm management software. The company’s AI Advisor, launched in 2023, aims to democratize access to agricultural technology, providing tailored, real-time advice to farmers on critical aspects such as agronomy operations, financing options, and market prices.
Matija Zulj, founder and CEO of AGRIVI, emphasizes the potential of this technology to transform small-scale farming. “An AI advisor available to small farms can significantly boost the production of major commodities like coffee or cacao by providing farmers with tailored, real-time advice and knowledge,” he states. The partnership with the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) marks a significant step forward, making the AI Advisor accessible to all farmers in the country through a familiar platform—WhatsApp. This direct communication channel between BADMC and the farming community is set to enhance the outreach of agricultural support services.
Historically, advanced technology has been predominantly available to medium-to-large farms that can afford it, leaving smallholders at a disadvantage. Zulj points out that the challenge lies not just in the technology itself, but in the adoption of digital practices among smaller farmers. “For countries like Barbados with primarily small farms that are not digitalized, finding ways to support their farms to improve their productivity and sustainability is a major issue,” he explains. The key to overcoming this barrier, according to Zulj, is to offer solutions that do not require farmers to learn new skills or habits. By integrating the AI Advisor into messaging platforms that farmers already use, such as WhatsApp and Viber, the initiative minimizes the friction associated with adopting new technologies.
The AI Advisor operates using a dual data set: AGRIVI’s proprietary agronomic data and local insights from BADMC. This comprehensive knowledge base enables farmers to receive advice that is not only relevant to their specific crops but also aligned with local practices and available government support. The AI can also assist with data collection for compliance and sustainability programs, empowering farmers to meet industry standards while enhancing their productivity.
Zulj believes that the introduction of generative AI tools can revolutionize the way farmers access knowledge and make decisions. By partnering with governments and agricultural organizations, AGRIVI aims to provide this technology at no cost to farmers, thereby promoting a more equitable agricultural landscape. “Our goal with this is to bring a completely white-label model where we partner with governments, big companies, and input companies, and they bring it to their ecosystem of farms for free,” he explains.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond Barbados. Zulj hints at plans for similar rollouts in other regions, including Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The potential for generative AI to enhance agricultural practices on a global scale is significant, particularly for countries where small farms are the backbone of the economy. By providing farmers with easy access to expert knowledge and support, this initiative could play a crucial role in enhancing productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods for smallholders worldwide.
The Barbados initiative represents a significant milestone in the digitalization of agriculture, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to empower farmers and strengthen supply chains. As the world grapples with the challenges of food security and climate resilience, such innovative solutions may prove essential in ensuring that small farms can thrive in an increasingly uncertain future.