AI for Nsukka Yellow Pepper
Photo Credit: Feepik
Overview
Nsukka Yellow Pepper, a crop of deep cultural and economic significance in southeastern Nigeria, is under growing threat from climate change-induced pests and diseases, soil degradation, and poor market access. For the smallholder farmers who depend on it, these challenges translate directly into lost livelihoods with women, youth, and people with disabilities among the most vulnerable.
The project deploys AI-powered disease detection systems, IoT sensors for real-time soil moisture and nutrient monitoring, and data-driven market access tools to support every stage of the pepper's production cycle. Crucially, the solution was built with communities, incorporating indigenous farming knowledge into system design, engaging farmers from the outset to foster ownership, and ensuring accessibility for non-smartphone users through SMS integration. People living with disabilities actively contributed to technical development, while dedicated training programs are building lasting digital capacity among rural women and youth.
The results are already reshaping how farmers grow, protect, and sell their crops. Early pest detection is reducing crop losses, smarter soil management is reversing nutrient decline, and improved market connections are boosting farmer incomes. With a model that is inclusive, locally grounded, and scalable, the project offers a blueprint for responsible AI deployment in African smallholder agriculture.