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Applications are now being accepted for Lesotho's AI-Powered Agricultural Extension Chatbot. It is recommended that candidates click here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
Opportunity Details
The chatbot is designed to strengthen extension services and ensure farmers in rural areas receive timely, localized guidance. By expanding access to information, it can boost productivity, build resilience, and create new market opportunities.
Winning teams receive up to $25,000 in grants.
Finalists present to a global panel.
Deployment planning with IEEE, ITU, and local partners.
AI-Powered Chatbot Design:
Must use generative AI to deliver localized, evidence-based farming advice.
Should support SMS, WhatsApp, and voice interfaces to ensure accessibility.
Needs to offer personalized responses based on user context and location.
Multilingual & Voice Accessibility:
The chatbot must be usable by speakers of local languages.
Should include voice-based interaction for users with limited literacy.
Integration with Trusted Sources:
Must connect users to resources from:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Lesotho’s Ministry of Agriculture
Scalability & Impact:
Designed to scale from local to national levels.
Should demonstrate potential to improve productivity, resilience, and food security.
Development Phases:
Teams will go through:
Application and prototyping
Refinement via expert and stakeholder feedback
Final presentation to a global panel
Collaboration & Deployment:
Finalists will work with IEEE, ITU, and local partners for deployment.
Must align with challenges identified by UN agencies and national ministries.
Apply for AI-Powered Agricultural Extension Chatbot in Lesotho
