How Malawi embraces AI to support smallholder farmers

When a farmer in rural Malawi notices unusual spots on their maize or soybeans, expert advice is often out of reach. But now, help might be just one click away: To support the many smallholder farmers, the mobile application “Ulangizi” powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) was developed to deliver real-time agricultural advice, helping them to improve yields, manage livestock and recover from climate-related disasters. The app is available in Chichewa, Malawi’s most widely spoken language.

Smallholder farmers account for over 80 % of Malawi’s agricultural labour force and are central to both national food production and rural livelihoods. Yet many of them face persistent challenges including unreliable weather, pest outbreaks and limited access to professional consultation services. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), only around 13 % of Malawian farmers regularly receive advice from trained extension officers, mostly due to staffing shortages and limited resources.m 

A digital bridge to expert knowledge

The Ulangizi app – its name means “advice” in Chichewa – operates through WhatsApp, allowing users to interact via text, voice and photos. It draws on AI technology like ChatGPT and Malawi’s official agricultural extension manual to provide locally relevant recommendations on pest management, planting methods, fertilisation, soil care and animal husbandry. “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.

The tool was developed from Opportunity International to improve rural livelihoods with inclusive digital technologies. While the Ministry of Agriculture continues to provide consulting services, the app acts as a complementary tool, especially in remote areas. “Government extension workers can’t be everywhere,” Chongo says. “This app helps reach more farmers with practical advice based on Malawi’s own farming guidelines.”

Supporting recovery and resilience

The need for such tools became particularly evident after Cyclone Freddy hit the country in early 2023, displacing over 500,000 people and destroying thousands of hectares of farmland. Many families lost 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,” says Chongo.

Looking ahead, Opportunity International Malawi wants to keep improving the app by including support for more crops, additional languages and offline features for 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.”

Benson Kunchezera is a Malawian freelance journalist based in Blantyre.
bkunchezera84@gmail.co