20.2 AI in Agriculture

AI in agriculture (sometimes called precision farming) helps farmers monitor crop health, predict yields, detect pests and diseases, and decide when to irrigate or fertilize. It combines satellite and drone imagery, weather data, and soil sensors to turn raw signals into actionable advice.

A teff or maize farmer in Oromia could photograph a leaf with a smartphone; an app classifies the disease (for example leaf rust) and recommends the right treatment and dose, reducing wasted chemicals and crop loss.