At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining industries across the globe, agriculture stands out as one of the sectors where its impact could be truly transformative. This was the shared sentiment at the AI for Agri round table forum held on 28 October 2025 and hosted by The Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands- Nairobi, in partnership with Yielder.
This was a dynamic session that brought together researchers, agritech innovators, private sector representatives, and development partners to discuss the current status of AI adoption, data sharing and outlook into what would be the ideal scenario if AI was successfully adopted in the agriculture sector, particularly in the East African context. The roundtable provided a space to explore how technology can improve productivity, efficiency, equity, and sustainability for smallholder farmers and other agribusiness stakeholders.
A reality check: technology alone is not transformation
Opening the discussion, Bart Pauwels, Agricultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nairobi, offered a reality check. Even in the Netherlands, which is one of the world’s most technologically advanced agricultural economies, only about 15 percent of farmers have shown interest in adopting AI. This, he noted, highlights a truth that technology alone does not drive transformation, but adoption and inclusion do. He emphasized the need to bridge Dutch expertise with Kenyan innovation to ensure that smallholder farmers are not left behind in the AI revolution.
"“By equipping them with tools that enhance yields, reduce waste, and improve decision-making, AI could become a genuine force for empowerment.”"
- Bart Pauwels, Agricultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nairobi
His reflections set the tone for a discussion centered not just on technology, but on people, partnerships, and the trust needed to make digital transformation in agriculture a shared success.
Keeping AI farmer-centric
Alexander Valeton of Yielder/farmbetter acknowledged the many challenges facing agriculture in Kenya and beyond, but underscored that AI holds immense potential to transform the sector.
"“For farmers to truly benefit, AI solutions must be simple, seamless, and built around their everyday realities.”"
- Alexander Valeton, Yielder/farmbetter
Data: the fuel that will power agricultural AI
In his keynote address, Jasper Grosskurth, Managing Director at Dalberg Research, delivered an insightful presentation on the role of data in shaping the future of artificial intelligence in agriculture. He began by reminding participants that data is the lifeblood of AI. Without quality, well-structured, and shared data, even the most sophisticated algorithms remain ineffective. Jasper underscored the need to build robust and ethical data ecosystems that encourage collaboration while protecting privacy and ownership. He highlighted that Africa, and Kenya in particular, stands at a unique advantage.
While data systems are still developing, the region has the opportunity to design smarter, more inclusive frameworks from the ground up, hence avoiding the fragmentation and duplication challenges seen elsewhere. He urged stakeholders to focus on data integrity, accessibility, and local context to ensure that AI solutions are not just innovative but also relevant and trustworthy for farmers. Jasper’s keynote emphasized that the real success of AI in agriculture will depend not on technology alone, but on the shared responsibility to use data wisely, ethically, and inclusively.
Designing an enabling environment for AI adoption
Designing the right environment for AI to thrive in agriculture was at the heart of the first session, led by Almut van Casteren, Co-Founder eProd, Solutions Limited, who draws more than a decade of experience in digitalizing agricultural systems. Almut shared the importance of creating structures that enable technology to serve farmers effectively and sustainably. She cautioned that the sector must avoid repeating the mistakes of earlier IT initiatives, that were fragmented, poor data quality, and a lack of farmer trust, and instead focus on building connected, integrated, and farmer-centered ecosystems. She emphasized that AI should simplify the work of farmers and cooperatives, not add new layers of complexity.
During the ensuing discussion, participants reflected on what successful AI would look like in Kenya’s agriculture sector. Many agreed it would mean farmers having easy access to reliable, localized insights that help them make better production and marketing decisions. Others added that success should be measured not only by efficiency gains or profit margins but also by equity and inclusion, ensuring that smallholder farmers, youth, and women benefit from AI innovations. They underscored the need for strong partnerships between government, private sector, and research institutions, as well as continuous feedback loops so that AI tools evolve with real farmer experiences.
Data sharing: trust is the starting point
Data sharing remains one of the most debated and transformative questions in the journey toward smarter agriculture. Emmanuel Makau, Senior Regional Technology and Data Manager at Mercy Corps AgriFin led this engaging session, inviting participants to unpack the complex issues of data ownership, privacy, and accountability. He reminded the room that while AI depends on data, it must never come at the expense of farmers’ rights. Differentiating between who are the rightful data owners and data processors. He highlighted that data sharing must be built on trust, explicit consent, and clear communication about how and why the data will be used.
The discussion brought forward diverse perspectives. Some participants highlighted that data collaboration could unlock new efficiencies across value chains, helping farmers access credit, insurance, and advisory services. Others cautioned that poorly managed data systems could lead to duplication, exclusion, or misuse, stressing the need for clear rules and shared standards.
From these exchanges, a guiding principle emerged; “open where possible, closed where needed.”
Imagining the ideal: a human-centered AI future for agriculture
Participants were invited to imagine a world where AI in agriculture worked seamlessly. Where every farmer, regardless of size or location, could access smart tools that made farming easier, more profitable, and more sustainable. Vandana Thottoli, Business Development Advisor, SNV, guided this reflection, drawing from an article on technology adoption and how mindsets often determine success more than the tools themselves. She noted that if Kenya and East Africa could combine innovation with supportive policies, digital literacy, and affordable financing, the region could become a leader in smart, inclusive agriculture. In this ideal scenario, farmers would trust and use AI confidently, data would flow transparently, and technology would serve people, not replace them.
Closing reflections: AI as a bridge, not a barrier
The AI for Agri Roundtable closed with a strong sense of optimism and shared purpose. In his concluding remarks, Alexander Valeton reminded participants that the day’s conversations were about redefining how AI can serve people, making agriculture more equitable, efficient, and sustainable. The discussions had revealed that the future of AI in Kenya and across East Africa will depend not only on algorithms, but on trust, transparency, and collaboration. Real progress will come from partnerships that unite farmers, innovators, governments, and investors under a common vision where data is protected, innovation is inclusive, and farmers are at the center of transformation. As the session wound up, one message resonated clearly through the room:
AI is not just a tool for farming’s future; it is the bridge connecting knowledge, technology, and people, paving the way for a smarter, more resilient, and more human-centered food system.
More information
For more information this subject or in case of questions for the Agricultural Counsellor, feel free to contact us via NAI-LVVN@minbuza.nl .
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