Kristal Joi Wise – Harnessing Machine Learning to Improve Agricultural Resilience in Africa

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As the climate changes, farmers in Africa are facing enormous challenges, from unpredictable rainfall to shifting growing seasons. In this session, I will share how we can use machine learning (ML) models, built on open-source platforms like TensorFlow and Google Earth Engine, to predict crop yields for key staples such as maize and cassava. By looking at case studies from Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, I’ll show how ML is helping farmers decide when to plant, manage resources more efficiently, and reduce climate risks. I’ll also talk about practical tools—like community hubs, radio broadcasts, and SMS alerts—that ensure even non-literate farmers can use these insights. Expect to walk away with actionable ideas on how to implement these techniques in your own work on food security.

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