Sama Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing AI-Powered Agricultural Technology in Africa

Sama has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing AI-powered agricultural technology. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable practices to feed a growing population, especially in East Africa, Sama emphasizes the importance of adopting AI tools to enhance productivity, increase yields, protect the environment, and reduce costs.

Having observed significant improvements through AI deployments for customers in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, Sama aims to leverage this experience to support agricultural initiatives in Africa. One such initiative is the East African Community’s Vision 2050 plan, which seeks to transform the agricultural landscape in the region.

Annepeace Alwala, Vice President of Global Service Delivery at Sama, highlighted the dual opportunity and necessity of integrating AI into agriculture. “There is both a tremendous opportunity and a pressing need for AI to better serve farmers and help farming businesses move forward while simultaneously addressing global challenges to reduce emissions and sustainably feed a growing world population,” Alwala remarked during the launch of a report on precision agriculture and the challenges faced by AgTech models.

The agricultural sector is currently grappling with several challenges, including an increased demand for food and food safety, shrinking agricultural land, and labor shortages. Drawing from their extensive experience with clients worldwide, Sama has demonstrated that computer vision applications, coupled with high-quality data, can effectively address these challenges. These AI-driven solutions automate various agricultural tasks, from crop monitoring and weed control to livestock health and pesticide use.

Weeds, pests, and diseases pose significant threats to crop productivity, with global estimates suggesting that up to 40% of crop production is lost to pests annually. Additionally, over $220 billion is spent on managing plant diseases. AI models evaluated by Sama have shown remarkable efficacy in identifying pests, diseases, and weeds, leading to improved crop management, reduced pesticide usage, and increased productivity.

One notable example is an autonomous machine developed by Carbon Robotics, which reportedly covers 15 to 20 acres a day and eliminates more than 100,000 weeds per hour using carbon dioxide lasers. Such advancements underscore the potential of AI technology in revolutionizing agricultural practices.

As Sama continues to partner with companies and support innovative agricultural initiatives, the commitment to advancing AI-powered agricultural technology in Africa remains steadfast. By harnessing the power of AI, Sama is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture in East Africa, ensuring sustainable food production and addressing global challenges in the process.