AI App Ulangizi Transforms Farming in Malawi

When a farmer in rural Malawi discovers strange spots on their maize or soybeans, expert help is usually far away. Now, a solution is available with just a click. A new mobile application called “Ulangizi,” powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), was created to deliver real-time agricultural advice to smallholder farmers. This tool, available in Chichewa, Malawi’s most common language, helps them increase yields, manage their livestock, and recover from climate disasters.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap for Farmers

Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Malawi's agriculture, making up over 80% of the country's agricultural workforce and are vital for national food production and rural livelihoods. Despite their importance, they face significant hurdles like unpredictable weather, pest infestations, and limited access to professional agricultural advice. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), only about 13% of farmers in Malawi receive regular guidance from trained extension officers, a gap caused largely by staffing and resource shortages.

Ulangizi Your AI Farming Advisor

The Ulangizi app, whose name means “advice” in Chichewa, operates conveniently through WhatsApp, allowing farmers to interact easily using text, voice messages, and photos. It leverages powerful AI technology like ChatGPT and cross-references information with Malawi’s official agricultural extension manual. This ensures the advice on pest management, planting methods, fertilisation, soil care, and animal husbandry is both locally relevant and reliable.

“Farmers can type a question, send a voice message or upload a photo of a sick plant or animal. The app analyses the problem and offers a solution,” says Richard Chongo, Country Director at the nonprofit organisation Opportunity International Malawi. Developed by Opportunity International, the tool is designed to improve rural livelihoods with inclusive digital technologies. While the Ministry of Agriculture continues to provide consulting services, the app acts as a crucial complementary tool, especially in remote regions where government extension workers can't always be present.

Building Resilience After Climate Shocks

The need for such a tool became tragically clear after Cyclone Freddy devastated the country in early 2023. The storm displaced over 500,000 people and destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland, costing many families not just their crops but also their primary source of income. “So, this app is not just about farming tips – it’s a resilience tool that can help people bounce back and prepare for future shocks,” Chongo emphasizes.

The Future of Farming in Malawi

Looking ahead, Opportunity International Malawi is committed to enhancing the app. Future updates aim to include support for more crops, additional languages, and offline features to serve areas with poor internet access. “This is just the beginning,” Chongo says. “We’re working toward a future where every smallholder farmer in Malawi can access the knowledge they need.”