Using chat bots to connect with the farmer, either to query data or relay insights
One of the key challenges, especially for smallholder farmers, is how to communicate with the farmer. This is needed to get additional data, run surveys, and to communicate insights and feedback. We are building tools to automate the entire process.
The FarmVibes.Bot platform allows organizations to communicate simply and effectively with any user who has a feature phone (by USSD or SMS) or any user who has a smart phone (WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, etc.).
Organizations can disseminate information, collect field data, and connect users to services. The platform also enables the platform owner to connect to external APIs to crowd in services for the user (e.g., financing, insurance, access to markets, or account information). And, built in data visualization enables a detailed understanding of interactions and activities.
This is in use by more than 500K farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Watch the AGRA video > (opens in new tab)
- Read the Africa Outlook story > (opens in new tab)
- Read the Microsoft News Center article > (opens in new tab)
- Read the Microsoft Africa blog > (opens in new tab)
Note: FarmVibes.Bot will be released to GitHub soon.