Darli AI allows farmers in countries like Kenya, Ghana, and others across Africa, Asia, and South America to interact directly in over 27 languages—including Twi, Swahili, and Yoruba.
Ghana-based Farmerline has secured a spot on TIME’s prestigious list of the 200 Best Inventions of 2024. The recognition highlights Farmerline Darli AI, the company’s innovative, AI-powered regenerative farming mentor. Darli AI is acknowledged for its unique ability to bridge knowledge gaps for smallholder farmers globally.
Named after the Ewe word for “whisper,” Darli AI is designed to democratize access to agricultural knowledge and sustainable solutions. It provides real-time, personalized guidance directly to millions of farmers who are often overlooked by global tech platforms. This accolade not only celebrates a groundbreaking technological achievement but also reaffirms Africa’s leadership in developing climate-resilient solutions tailored for the global south.
Bridging the Language Barrier with AI
The core challenge facing smallholder farmers is access to timely, accurate, and culturally relevant advice. Many farmers speak low-resource, local languages that global tech companies rarely support. Consequently, this leaves them vulnerable to climate risks and inefficient practices.
Darli has been used by 110,000 farmers in 27 languages since March 2024. These languages include Twi, Swahili, and Yoruba. In fact, CEO Alloysius Attah says, “There are millions of farmers in rural areas that speak languages not often supported by global tech companies.” Consequently, Darli is democratizing access to regenerative farming.
The platform is designed for maximum accessibility, utilizing two main communication channels:
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WhatsApp Chatbots: Farmers can text or speak questions and even upload photos of diseased crops for instant diagnosis.
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Conversational IVR System (Helpline): Users with basic mobile devices can simply call a toll-free number to engage with the AI via voice.
As a result, Darli AI currently serves over one million listeners on its Darli Helpline. It provides instant solutions on everything from pest management and fertilizer use to crop rotation and post-harvest handling.
Three Core Functions Driving Impact
Darli AI is more than just a chatbot; it operates as a comprehensive system utilizing three core functions. These functions ensure both farmer empowerment and measurable impact.
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Teaching Regenerative Farming Practices: Darli actively promotes climate-smart methods. For example, it provides guidance on intercropping, minimum tillage, and using organic fertilizers to enhance soil health and boost yields.
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Tracking Knowledge Transfer: This unique capability monitors how effectively farmers receive and apply the AI’s advice. It ensures that insights translate into actual behavior change on the ground.
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Monitoring and Measuring Impact: Darli AI collects data on key metrics. This includes yield improvements, income increases, and carbon sequestering. This process assesses the real-world benefit of sustainable farming practices.
Farmerline Co-founder and CEO Alloysius Attah noted the critical nature of this work: “There are millions of farmers in rural areas that speak languages not often supported by global tech companies. Darli is democratizing access to regenerative farming, supporting farmers in their local languages, and ensuring lasting impact on the ground.”
Recognition of African Innovation
The inclusion of Farmerline Darli AI on TIME’s prestigious list places the Ghanaian agritech company among the world’s most impactful innovations of the year. The list, compiled by TIME’s editors and correspondents, evaluates contenders based on their originality, effectiveness, ambition, and global impact.
This recognition validates Farmerline’s model. The company leverages digital tools to connect smallholder farmers with essential resources, financing, and premium markets, improving yields and farmer incomes by up to 3x in some cases.
Therefore, Darli AI stands as a powerful testament to how its designers intentionally created AI to address critical global challenges. This includes food security and climate resilience, from the African continent outward.
