Theofrida Muginga, a young student at the University of Rwanda, is pioneering a transformative project known as 'Mkulima GPT.' This innovative venture harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide crucial support to small-scale farmers, particularly those with limited resources.
The driving force behind 'Mkulima GPT' is a dedication to uplifting local farmers through technology, with a strong focus on Swahili-speaking communities. Theofrida Muginga, the founder of 'Mkulima GPT,explains, "I come from a background where we depend on the cultivation of agriculture. In this context, we see many farmers lagging behind in terms of technology adoption. One of the technologies we are using is CHATGPT, and I understand that most farmers may not be familiar with it or may not show much interest. However, we can make excellent use of these artificial intelligence technologies."
What makes 'Mkulima GPT' stand out is its commitment to local languages and its ambition to extend its services to other African languages. To ensure accessibility, 'Mkulima GPT' has established an online presence through a dedicated website and a WhatsApp phone number. Farmers can use these platforms to seek information on various topics, including farm preparation, management of maize diseases, and post-harvest procedures.
The project also aims to incorporate Kinyarwanda, the local language, into CHATGPT, making it even more accessible to Rwandan farmers. During the development phase, the project team interacted with farmers and identified issues like the spread of diseases such as "head smut." 'Mkulima GPT' addresses these challenges by continuously reminding farmers of best practices, ultimately reducing the prevalence of such diseases.
Currently in the testing phase, the project welcomes user feedback and plans to launch in December. Agriculture and AI experts are actively contributing their expertise to enhance the platform's capabilities before it reaches smallholder farmers. 'Mkulima GPT' represents a significant leap towards empowering local farmers with cutting-edge technology and knowledge, with the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Rwanda and beyond.