Overall purpose
To create and pilot Agroecology farmer extension using an AI-driven Chatbot via the Access Agriculture Mobile App
Objectives
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Ensure all work is co-designed and co-implemented with the stakeholders.
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Develop the required AI-based technology
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Establish the extension channels based on and leveraging the Access Agriculture youth entrepreneurship model screening farmer-to-farmer videos combined with the Chatbot-supported mobile App
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Pilot and adapt the technology and extension model
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Establish a plan for scaling the technology and approach
Activities
Focus on Morocco, Egypt and Madhya Pradesh, India
Connect with the Collective Action Agroecology (EFARD)
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Train the Chatbot Ask Agi with technical information from NARS, CGIAR and private sector on bio-inputs, agroecological, organic and regenerative farming, and food processing practices in English, French, Arabic and Hindi
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Bundle the available, relevant farmer-to-farmer learning videos
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Translate (and record voice overs) in Arabic and Hindi relevant videos for the sub regions
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Assess behavioral change of farmers towards agroecological practices after video screenings by the ERA teams (Entrepreneurs for Rural Access - see: Young Changemakers: Scaling agroecology using video in Africa and India), & viewing on Mobile App
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Document lessons learned about social inclusivity challenges and opportunities of Access Agriculture’s video-mediated learning model, and provide recommendations for a scaling strategy
Collaborators
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Access Agriculture
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A mapping exercise of partners is currently being done by AA for Morocco, Egypt and Madhya Pradesh.
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The Agroecology TPP (Transformative Partnership Platform on Agroecology) from CGIAR may also join
Progress
Successful in fundraising from the International Foundation for Science (IFS, Sweden) for the organisation 2 workshops. Access Agriculture, in partnership with RUFORUM, will conduct two residential workshops (one each for Anglophone and Francophone participants) designed for selected early-career researchers who are affiliated to institutions of higher learning or national research institutes in sub-Saharan Africa. The workshop for Francophone countries will be held, 24-28 November 2025, in Benin, and the workshop for Anglophone countries will be held, 8-12 December 2025, in Uganda.
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The workshop will focus on equipping the participants working in the areas of agroecology, organic and regenerative farming and sustainable food systems with communication and video skills.
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It will boost their capacity to document and communicate effectively agroecological innovations and practices using multimedia tools to a broader audience and potential end-users, and share them on digital platforms like EcoAgtube.
Postings
GFAIR website
Forthcoming
PAEPARD blog
24-28 November 2025, in Benin, 8-12 December 2025, in Uganda. Building Communication skills of Early Career researchers