Author: michael

In Ethiopia, a country rich in linguistic diversity with over 80 indigenous languages, language can be both a cultural treasure and a barrier. While Amharic serves as the official working language, millions of rural farmers primarily speak their native tongues, making it difficult for them to access crucial agricultural information. From weather forecasts and pest control updates to market prices and government policies, much of this knowledge is often delivered in languages they do not fully understand, leaving many farmers without the information they need to make informed decisions.

Recognizing this challenge, Digital Green is working to break down language barriers and make agricultural knowledge more inclusive. We have developed a range of solutions to ensure farmers can access vital information in the languages they speak and understand. Our video-based extension services, for example, feature local farmers sharing best practices in their native languages, making learning more practical, relatable, and easier to adopt. Our AgAdvisory Telegram bot also provides instant access to farming advice, allowing farmers to get timely and relevant information at their fingertips.  Across these platforms, we have made agricultural knowledge available in more than 20 local languages.

Taking this a step further, we have successfully developed Farmer.Chat – an AI-powered chatbot designed to communicate with farmers—in two widely spoken Ethiopian languages, Afaan Oromo and Amharic. To ensure accessibility for all, including those with limited literacy, we have integrated voice features, allowing farmers to interact with the chatbot using spoken language rather than just text, making it easier for farmers to ask questions, receive guidance, and access information in a way that feels natural to them.

However, we recognize that our work is far from complete. Developing AI-driven multilingual solutions remains a challenge, particularly because many indigenous Ethiopian languages lack extensive written documentation that AI models typically rely on for training. Despite this, we are committed to expanding our work. By collaborating with local speakers, collecting high-quality language data, and leveraging audio-based AI training, we aim to bring Farmer.Chat and other digital solutions in more Ethiopian languages. Our goal is to ensure that farmers, regardless of the language they speak, have equal access to the information they need to improve their livelihoods and strengthen Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Through continuous innovation and collaboration, Digital Green is paving the way for a more inclusive agricultural future—one where language is no longer a barrier to progress but a bridge to knowledge and opportunity.

At Digital Green, our mission is to empower smallholder farmers with localized, real-time agricultural advice that fosters productivity, resilience, and growth. With over 250,000 farmers and extension workers across India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia already benefitting Farmer.Chat, we’re constantly improving to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

From Tailored Advisory to True Agency

OpenAI’s Operator is an advanced functionality that performs tasks on behalf of its users. As  Operator becomes available in the API following its research preview, we will integrate it into Farmer.Chat to unlock its power as an agent for smallholder farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), going beyond providing hyperlocal advice to delivering actionable solutions faster and more efficiently. With Operator, Farmer.Chat will be able to complete more tasks and take actions —all in the user’s preferred language. 

Imagine a farmer seeking help to improve soil fertility and boost crop yields. Currently, Farmer.Chat assesses the farmer’s specific crop type, soil condition, and local weather patterns. It then delivers a tailored recommendation for specific amounts of fertilizer for optimal results, along with detailed application instructions. 

But with Operator, Farmer.Chat won’t stop there – it will go further by helping  the farmer purchase these fertilizers near their farm, displaying comparison pricing at a range of local suppliers for the type and amount of fertilizer the farmer wants to purchase, further simplifying the path from problem to solution.

“As we learn more about Operator during its research preview, the goal is for Farmer.Chat to become a true partner that bridges the gap between advice and action – understanding individual farmers and connecting them to local solutions in real time.” – Rikin Gandhi, CEO

Empowering Smarter Decisions for Resilient Farmers

The upcoming API integration of Operator after its research preview marks a new chapter in the Farmer.Chat journey. By combining advanced decision-making capabilities with local insights, Farmer.Chat will be better equipped to address farmers’ needs and improve their livelihoods. Whether it’s making smarter fertilizer choices, addressing crop issues like pest and diseases, or finding the best price for their crop at the market, Operator makes the support Farmer.Chat provides farmers faster, easier, and more precise.

During the research preview, Digital Green will share insights and feedback on Operator’s reliability and impact with OpenAI. As with any new AI-powered tool, OpenAI and Digital Green will work together to ensure Operator can serve its users and their communities optimally before broader rollout. 

We remain committed to helping farmers and FPOs achieve greater success, productivity, and resilience. Together, we’re building a future where every farmer has access to the knowledge, tools, and services they need to thrive.

Agriculture is a key driver of global food security, but it also significantly contributes to methane emissions, particularly from livestock. With the growing need to address climate change while enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing costs for farmers, a new initiative led by the University of California (UC Davis), college of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, through its Department of Global Engagement, is making strides. This project, funded by the Global Methane Hub, is implemented over three years across 16 countries in Asia and Africa, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. It focuses on developing a Feed Ration Formulation (FRF) tool that balances cost, nutritional value, and availability of ingredients. This groundbreaking FRF tool integrates cutting-edge scientific models and data to optimize nutrient requirements for dairy cows. The tool is designed to reduce costs, improve milk yield, and cut methane emissions, ultimately contributing to more sustainable livestock farming.

At Digital Green, we are leading the effort to create a practical, user-friendly tool that connects researchers, extension workers, and farmers, allowing them to access optimized feed recommendations tailored to local conditions. This tool will empower farmers to make informed decisions about feed, reducing expenses while boosting productivity and aligning with global climate goals.

Field Piloting in Ethiopia

A significant milestone was reached in October 2024, when Digital Green, UC Davis, and Hawassa University conducted a field pilot of the Feed Ration Formulation tool in Ethiopia’s Kofele Woreda at Gurmicho and Wamagne Abosa Kebeles. Woreda and Kebele livestock experts participated in the pilot and provided very positive feedback on the tool’s usability and potential. These local experts highlighted the value of the tool in improving their extension services, noting its simplicity and its ability to provide feed recommendations that can enhance dairy productivity.

The primary purpose of the pilot was to conduct user research and gather a list of key improvements for the tool. These improvements will be added in the coming months as UC Davis finalizes the scientific model and other partners complete their respective feed libraries. Hawassa University and Haramaya University are specifically focused on building a comprehensive feed library with nutrient data for Ethiopia, which will be integral to the tool’s accuracy and utility in local contexts.

Expanding the Project’s Reach

In future phases, the project will expand beyond Ethiopia, with plans to roll out in India and other countries including Vietnam, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Bangladesh. This expansion will involve tailoring the tool to meet the specific needs of farmers in each country, with feed libraries and models adjusted to reflect local conditions and resources. The project will also work on integrating the tool into broader digital platforms to maximize its impact and accessibility.

Looking Ahead

As the project progresses into its next phase, the focus will be on enhancing the feed libraries, refining the tool’s features, and expanding its reach across multiple regions. In parallel, Digital Green is planning to integrate this tool with its Farmer.Chat platform, which would further enhance the tool’s accessibility to farmers. This initiative represents a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture by making cutting-edge science accessible to farmers, enabling them to reduce costs, improve productivity, and reduce their environmental impact.

This collaboration between Global Methane Hub, UC Davis, Digital Green, Hawassa University, and other partners marks a transformative effort toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for dairy farming.

On October 15th, as we mark the International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of women in rural communities. In Ethiopia, where women often face limited access to education, financial services, and leadership roles, programs like Digital Green’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are changing lives. These SHGs are more than just savings and loans—they are lifelines that offer women the chance to build confidence, leadership skills, and strong support networks that ripple across entire communities.

Digital Green has organized over 300 SHGs, empowering more than 7,600 women in Ethiopia. These women have collectively saved 19 million birr, and with the support of 8.3 million birr in capital funding, they’ve accessed loans to grow businesses, support their families, and invest in their futures. But beyond the numbers, it’s the personal stories of women like Belaynesh, Netsanet, and Gabite that truly showcase the impact of these groups.

For Belaynesh Fichola, a 30-year-old mother of three, the Dararcho SHG gave her the chance to rebuild her life after her husband’s death left her struggling to provide for her family. She began by selling fruits, but her business transformed when she secured a 6,000 ETB loan from the SHG. With that, Belaynesh started selling maize and flour, eventually expanding her business enough to buy livestock and create lasting stability for her children. Today, her assets are worth over 43,000 ETB, and her role in the community has grown too—she now serves as vice president of her SHG and a leader in women’s affairs in her kebele.

Netsanet Legamo, a 28-year-old from Bursa, used her SHG loan to support her family during a tough time. Despite having a teaching diploma, Netsanet couldn’t find work. When her husband fell ill, she took out a 5,000 ETB loan from her SHG, bought sheep, and slowly built a small livestock business. Her growing income allowed her to support her husband’s medical expenses and education, and today, she’s the primary earner in her household. Netsanet’s SHG not only helped her gain financial independence but also provided her with emotional support, helping her through a challenging period in her life.

For Gabite Kiea, a mother of six from Gucho village, the Elto SHG was a lifeline. After her husband passed away, Gabite struggled to run her small coffee shop. A 3,000 ETB loan from her SHG enabled her to start a poultry business, and with hard work, her income grew steadily. Gabite’s SHG didn’t just provide financial support—it offered her practical help, from plowing her fields to giving her the confidence to take charge of her family’s future.

These are just a few examples of the thousands of women in Ethiopia whose lives have been transformed through SHGs. By giving women access to financial tools, leadership training, and community support, these groups are creating lasting change—women are not only improving their own lives but also strengthening their entire communities.

As we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, we’re reminded that empowering women empowers whole communities. Programs like Digital Green’s SHGs offer a path to financial stability, leadership opportunities, and a brighter future. There’s still more work to be done, but with continued support, more women will have the chance to rise above challenges and create lasting change for themselves and their families.

Let’s continue to invest in the strength of rural women. Their resilience, leadership, and ambition deserve our support—not just today, but every day.

As we celebrate International Cooperative Day (July 1st), we’re reminded of the essential role cooperatives play in fostering sustainable development, ensuring food security, and empowering communities. Cooperatives help farmers pool resources, share crucial farming knowledge, and access broader markets, which drives economic growth and improves their lives.

At Digital Green, we work with many types of cooperatives, including the Gonde cooperative in Ethiopia. Located in Assela, Oromia, the Gonde Cooperative plays a dual role: purchasing grains directly from farmers at fair prices and supplying them with fertilizers and other inputs at competitive rates. This setup not only supports the farmers’ production efforts but also stabilizes their finances.

Before our intervention, the Gonde Cooperative was struggling. They faced challenges such as outdated member information, financial difficulties, and governance issues. A 2021 audit even marked the cooperative as bankrupt, with a deficit of 25,595.06 Birr. Recognizing the potential impact of revitalizing this cooperative, we stepped in with substantial support. Abdella Rabo, the Finance Head of Gonde Cooperation, highlighted the impact, saying: “The support we received from Digital Green, including materials, training, and financial assistance has helped us rebuild our cooperation and embrace technology.”

With an injection of 1 million birr from Digital Green, the cooperative diversified into grain trading and began supplying agrochemicals and other consumable goods. We funded essential positions like a cooperative manager and a storekeeper and supported the cooperative with new technology like a laptop and printer to streamline their operations. Moreover, extensive training in cooperative management and financial literacy was provided to both the board members and staff.

The turnaround has been remarkable. The cooperative has updated its member profiles, attracting 381 new members and an additional 38,100 Birr in capital. Financially, it’s now thriving with a recorded net profit of 110,686 Birr and has secured an additional 800,000 Birr loan. Governance has also seen significant improvements, with the election of new board members, including women, which has enhanced operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, we see the cooperative model as a beacon of hope and resilience and we plan to assist existing Women Self-Help Groups transition into formal cooperatives. This change will provide these groups with government recognition, access to more resources, and increased support for their farmer members. 

On this International Day of Cooperatives, we applaud the achievements of the Gonde Cooperative and all similar entities playing a vital role in agricultural development. We remain committed to nurturing cooperatives, equipping them with the necessary resources and training to empower farmers and strengthen communities. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the invaluable contributions of cooperatives toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

At Digital Green, we believe in the power of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for agricultural extension to transform the lives of the farmers we work with. Now, we are harnessing that same transformative power of AI to reshape our work dynamics and enhance productivity. By integrating AI into daily tasks, key deliverables, and organizational systems, we aim to boost individual and organizational performance, helping us be more competitive and innovative. Additionally, incorporating AI into staff learning programs can improve job satisfaction and retention, though we recognize that it is essential to collectively manage risks such as legal liabilities and data protection to safeguard the organization.

Our recent all-staff survey provides an insightful glimpse into how our team is integrating AI into their daily tasks and the broad enthusiasm for further AI-related upskilling. To better outline and understand the role and impacts of GenAI in our workplace, we’ve established an AI Upskilling Working Group, a diverse staff-led task force that seeks to: 1) assess and track AI adoption and opportunities internally; 2) provide accessible AI education sessions and resources to all staff; and 3) promote the responsible use of AI tools in our workplace.

How We Gathered Insights

Digital Green conducted a comprehensive survey targeting all staff members across various departments to understand the integration and impact of AI within our operations. The survey was designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data, offering insights into how often AI tools are utilized, the types of tasks they are employed for, and staff perceptions regarding the benefits and challenges associated with these tools. It consisted of multiple-choice questions to quantify usage and satisfaction levels, as well as open-ended questions to capture detailed comments and suggestions. 

The survey was distributed through our internal communication platforms, ensuring easy access and a high participation rate of 70%, which further enhanced the reliability of our findings. This methodological approach allowed us to not only measure the current state of AI adoption but also to identify specific areas where additional support and training are needed. 

High AI Utilization and Optimistic Outlook

Results showed that 77% of our respondents already incorporate AI tools into their roles, reflecting a high rate of AI utilization across the organization.  Adoption is matched by a strong belief in the positive impact of AI on work productivity, with 63% of respondents acknowledging enhanced work performance due to AI tools. 

AI tools have become integral in various tasks such as document drafting, brainstorming, and research, with significant usage noted in technical tasks like data analysis and forecasting. These tools not only streamline processes but also foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

While the adoption rates are high, our survey also highlighted some areas of concern. Over half of the respondents expressed a lack of understanding about the risks associated with using AI tools, indicating a need for comprehensive training and guidelines. There is also a concern among 23% of the respondents about keeping pace with rapid AI integration, which could lead to disparities in skill levels and job security.

To address these concerns, Digital Green is committed to providing equitable access to AI technologies and upskilling opportunities. Our AI Upskilling Working Group is at the forefront of this initiative, promoting responsible and safe use of AI, organizing AI Bot Camps (our internal AI training initiative) and other learning series to ensure that all staff, regardless of their geographical location or initial skill level, can benefit from AI advancements.

Looking Ahead

Digital Green plans to sustain its focus on responsibly integrating AI into our operations. This will involve continuous upskilling, measurement of learning impacts, and the development of policies that ensure safe and effective AI use in all of our workstreams that prioritize data privacy and security for ourselves and everyone we work with. By fostering an environment that encourages peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing and skill development, we aim to bridge the existing skill gaps and propel our team towards higher levels of innovation and efficiency.

Although our journey is just beginning, we are on a path to transforming our workplace into a more dynamic and inclusive environment. By embracing AI, we are not just enhancing our current capabilities but are also setting the stage for future innovations that align with our mission of boosting the effectiveness of agricultural extension and helping farmers increase their productivity and incomes.