Name: Sammy Selim
Location: Kericho, Kenya
Farm Size: Small-scale coffee farm (approx. 5 acres)
Specialty: Coffee cultivation enhanced by AI tools
Impact: Nearly tripled coffee yield within 2 years
Annual Income Before AI: Approx. $1,200
Annual Income After AI Adoption: Approx. $3,500
The Challenges of Small-Scale Coffee Farming in Kericho
Kericho, Kenya is known for high-quality tea and coffee. However, small farmers like Sammy Selim face:
Limited access to expert advice
Pest and disease issues
Unpredictable weather
Need to increase productivity on limited land
Sammy’s farm was struggling to generate sufficient income, averaging about $1,200 annually from coffee sales.
Embracing AI Technology for Smart Farming
Sammy adopted AI-powered tools:
Virtual Agronomist: Personalized advice on fertilization, irrigation, and pest control based on satellite and weather data.
PlantVillage: Diagnosed crop diseases via photos and provided treatment recommendations.
This gave Sammy farm-specific guidance that was previously unavailable.
Remarkable Results and Income Growth
Within two years:
Coffee yield nearly tripled thanks to improved pest control and optimized fertilization
Costs of inputs reduced by 15% due to precise recommendations
Harvest quality improved, attracting better market prices
Annual income soared from about $1,200 to $3,500
This income boost improved Sammy’s living standards and allowed reinvestment in farm improvements.
What Sammy’s Story Means for Other Farmers
AI tools provide expert advice remotely where extension services are lacking
Data-driven decisions lead to better yields and profits
Small-scale farmers can sustainably increase income without expanding land
Conclusion
Sammy Selim’s journey from Kericho shows how combining tradition with modern AI technology can transform farming and livelihoods. His success inspires other small-scale farmers in Kenya and beyond to adopt innovative tools and improve their futures.
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