As the world is moving into using technology in all aspects of life, the agricultural sector has also embraced it in order to address the challenges that affect it.
Anthony Ssenyonga, a crop scientist and digital connector told The New Vision during an interview on 26 June, that in Uganda, where agriculture employs over 70% of the population, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered digital tools is proving to be a game-changer for smallholder farmers who often face challenges such as crop diseases, pest infestations, and inefficient resource use.
Ssenyonga says that this agricultural revolution is bridging the gap between technology and rural farming communities to ensure timely advisory and extension services that enhance productivity, sustainability, and food security.
‘‘Crop diagnosis apps, such as Plantwise, Prise, Tumaini, Agrio and Plantix, empower farmers to detect plant diseases early through AI-driven image analysis. By simply uploading photos of affected crops via smartphones, farmers receive instant diagnoses and tailored management recommendations. In Luwero District, for instance, tomato farmers have used these apps to identify and manage diseases like bacterial wilt and late blight, reducing crop losses by up to 40% and boosting incomes,” he explains.
“In 2024 alone, this app supported spray service providers in Uganda to cover over 600 acres with optimised pesticide use, reducing costs by up to 30%. Similarly, the Fertiliser Optimiser App uses AI to analyse soil data and recommend location-specific fertiliser supplements, ensuring crops like tomatoes receive the right nutrients at the right time.
This has led to yield increases of up to 25% for crops like maize and tomatoes in East Africa.
“I have been instrumental in rolling out these technologies in Uganda’s rural districts. Through my agro-input business and plant doctor training with CABI-Zirobwe Agaliawamu Agri-business Training Association (ZAABTA), I have created a digital advisory hub that serves over 500 farmers in Luwero and beyond. By leveraging WhatsApp groups, I provide real-time crop diagnosis and advice, enabling farmers to share images of diseased crops and receive instant recommendations’’ Ssenyonga said.
He said that he trains young farmers and spray service providers on the safe use of CABI apps, ensuring they maximise benefits while adhering to sustainable practices.
In Nakaseke, for example, I collaborated with the Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) under the Strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Ecosystem for Inclusive Rural Transformation and Livelihoods in Eastern Africa(AIRTEA project) where I trained 50 youth in precision agriculture, resulting in a 20% increase in tomato yields in 2024.
Ssenyonga says this initiative, supported by international partners like The Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) is a not-for-profit international organization that focuses on improving people’s lives worldwide by solving problems in agriculture and the environment based in the United Kingdom and has a global network of centers showcases the potential of digital tools to empower youth in agriculture.
AIRTEA is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on enhancing agricultural innovation and value chain development. AIRTEA aims to improve market access for farmers, promote sustainable practices, and build capacity within the agricultural sector.
He said the CABI Crop Sprayer App enables farmers to calculate precise pesticide application rates, minimising waste and environmental impact while adhering to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
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Ssenyonga says that the districts of Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, and Mukono are witnessing a transformative shift in farming practices.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools, such as the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Crop Sprayer App, Fertilizer Optimizer App, and other crop diagnosis applications, smallholder farmers are now equipped with accurate agricultural solutions that are revolutionizing crop disease management, particularly for tomatoes and other staple crops.
He said tools developed by the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), such as the Crop Sprayer App, Fertilizer Optimizer App, and crop diagnosis platforms like Plantwise, are tailored to address these challenges by providing real-time, actionable insights.
