Harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning for transformative African knowledge hubs: a road map for last-mile knowledge delivery and agricultural modeling

Authors

  • Oluwaseun Akinyemi Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
  • Emmanuel Amek Akoto
  • Bosede Adeyinka Ayinla International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria
  • Narcisse Yehouenou
  • Kgothatso Lovey Tshipo Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, Botswana
  • Guy Marius Assogba Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Senegal
  • Israel Non-Nde Djidainairi Chadian Institute of Agronomic Research for Development (ITRAD)
  • Ishmael Kgosietsile Maikano National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), Botswana

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, knowledge hubs, knowledge platforms, agricultural innovation, digital transformation, Africa

Abstract

This article explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for developing and enhancing agricultural knowledge hubs across Africa. As agriculture remains central to food security and sustainable livelihoods on the continent, there is an urgent need to close the knowledge gap between scientific advancements and smallholder farmers. This study presents a guideline for integrating AI/ML technologies into agricultural knowledge hubs, highlighting their capacity to improve data aggregation, user engagement, interoperability, and the delivery of timely, context-sensitive knowledge to the last mile. In addition to detailing the technical infrastructure and policy recommendations necessary for success, the article also addresses challenges related to digital divides, data governance, and trust. Emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and ethical use, this road map seeks to guide national and regional stakeholders toward building resilient, intelligent knowledge systems that empower agricultural communities, foster innovation, and promote long-term development outcomes across Africa. The article was written as part of the Knowledge Management for Agriculture Development (KM4AgD) Challenge 2024, an initiative of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and collaborating institutions.

Author Biographies

Oluwaseun Akinyemi, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria

Oluwaseun Bolarinwa AKINYEMI is a Researcher and knowledge manager at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) with a strong background in knowledge management, data science, and digital innovation in agricultural research systems. A certified knowledge manager, he has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies, including the Gender Policy, and developed the first zero-draft knowledge management strategy and policy for Nigeria’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS). With a Master’s in Information Science and certificates in Data Science, Marketing, and Management, he is skilled in R, Python, SQL, Git, AI/ML, actively applying his skills to democratize knowledge and foster Communities of Practice.

Emmanuel Amek Akoto

Emmanuel Amek AKOTO is an ICT Specialist and Data Analyst with over 20 years of experience in systems integration, IT governance, web applications, and data analytics across government, private, and international sectors. A Certified Knowledge Management Practitioner and member of the KM4AgD Community of Practice, with a special focus on the development and optimization of knowledge hubs. His work explores how AI and ML can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these hubs. Amek’s professional journey is driven by a commitment to bridging agriculture and emerging technologies. He applies digital tools to boost agricultural research adoption, enhancing productivity and smallholder livelihoods. He has developed data systems and led ML projects for crop health and cocoa bean quality. As Executive Director of CICS Technologies and GreenWeb Consult, he leads AgTech initiatives that empower stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

Bosede Adeyinka Ayinla, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria

Bosede Adeyinka AYINLA is an Information Systems Specialist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Knowledge Centre, Nigeria, with over 15 years of professional experience as a practising librarian and knowledge management expert. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Application of Electronic Media Technologies to Libraries’ Operations and Reading from the Department of School Library and Media Technology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Dr Ayinla also earned her first degree in Library, Archival and Information Studies and a second degree in Information Science from the University of Ibadan. A certified knowledge manager, Dr. Ayinla’s work focuses on advancing the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in libraries and research knowledge centres. In her role at IITA, she contributes to building effective knowledge systems and networks that support research excellence and institutional learning.

Narcisse Yehouenou

Narcisse YEHOUENOU is a Data Scientist and Certified Knowledge Manager specializing in environmental science and sustainable agriculture. Currently a PhD candidate at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana, his research focuses on the environmental impacts of agricultural sustainable intensification. He is a research fellow at the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and an active member of ICT4U-NGO in Benin. Yehouenou earned a Master of Research in Biostatistics from the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) in Benin.

Kgothatso Lovey Tshipo, Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, Botswana

Kgothatso Lovey TSHIPO is a Knowledge Management specialist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Knowledge Management (Knowledge Management) attained at the University of Botswana and is also a Certified Knowledge Manager for Sustainable Agriculture. She has worked at the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) in Botswana, where she contributed to the building of an expert and farmer database for knowledge sharing and fostering of collaboration between stakeholders in Agriculture. Kgothatso now works as a member of the Assistant Minister's core team at the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement in Botswana.

Guy Marius Assogba, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Senegal

Guy Marius ASSOGBA is a Senior Research Associate working on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and the scaling of innovations at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in Dakar, Senegal. Previously, he served as Senior Officer for Training, Information, and Communication at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock in Benin. He holds an Agronomy Engineering degree from the University of Abomey-Calavi and a Master degree in Hydraulic Engineering – Land and Water Development from IHE Delft. He is also a certified Knowledge Manager by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).

Israel Non-Nde Djidainairi, Chadian Institute of Agronomic Research for Development (ITRAD)

Israel NON-NDE DJIDAINAIRI is an Agroeconomist and currently serves as Program Head for Macroeconomics, Rural Economy, and Sociology at the Chadian Institute of Agronomic Research for Development (ITRAD). An expert in agricultural knowledge management, he is pursuing a PhD in agroeconomics at Nazi Boni University in Burkina Faso, where he is a researcher at the Laboratory of Rural Studies on Environment and Economic and Social Development. His expertise spans food security, sustainable development, Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), and Participatory and Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA). He has strong skills in agricultural policies, agri-food value chains, and project cycle management. Rigorous and methodical, Israel combines excellent analytical abilities, strong interpersonal and writing skills, and familiarity with results-based management.

Ishmael Kgosietsile Maikano, National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), Botswana

Ishmael Kgosietsile MAIKANO is an information specialist, (Librarian). With basic knowledge in Intellectual property rights and Patent Search by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and currently managing the Resource Centre at the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) of Botswana, a member of CCARDESA, and a certified Knowledge Manager by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).

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Published

2026-05-26

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Tools and Methods

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