How AI helps farmers adapt to climate change: The story of AgriTech Analytics

For Maryanne Gichanga, farming isn’t just business—it’s personal. Growing up on a farm in Kenya, she witnessed firsthand how unpredictable weather and soil degradation could devastate livelihoods. When her family faced financial hardship due to a failed harvest, she knew there had to be a better way to support smallholder farmers. That drive led her to co-found AgriTech Analytics, a pioneering agricultural technology company that leverages AI-powered satellite data and solar-powered sensors to help farmers adapt to climate change.

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) Award, powered by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative, recognizes outstanding young entrepreneurs driving sustainability, land restoration, and climate action.

The 2024 award winner, Maryanne and her team at AgriTech Analytics are working to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern technology. Their innovative tools provide real-time insights on soil health, early disease detection, and weather patterns, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions that improve productivity and sustainability.

But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Smallholder farmers produce 80% of the world’s food, yet many still live in poverty and struggle with climate-related risks. Convincing farmers to embrace technology was an uphill battle. Many were skeptical due to past experiences with short-term projects that failed to deliver lasting impact. To build trust, Maryanne and her team worked closely with local cooperatives, government agencies, and NGOs, ensuring that their solutions were both accessible and practical. They introduced training programmes in local languages, helping farmers understand how digital tools could enhance — not replace — their traditional knowledge.

The impact has been remarkable. One farmer in Kikuyu, who was on the verge of abandoning agriculture, saw his farm expand from a small plot to four acres after implementing AgriTech Analytics’ solutions. Today, he is a leader in his community, helping over 300 farmers adopt smart farming techniques.

As Maryanne explains, "Smallholder farmers produce over 80% of the world's food, yet many still live in poverty. We must equip them with the tools to succeed—not just for their benefit, but for global food security."

AgriTech Analytics isn’t stopping there. With plans to expand into Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria, the company aims to bring its data-driven approach to more farmers across Africa. They are also piloting a project in the United Kingdom, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, to refine their technology for global application.

Since joining YECO, Maryanne has played a role in the restoration of 48,000 hectares of land, reinforcing AgriTech Analytics' commitment to sustainable farming. The company is also gearing up for the launch of its mobile app and the rollout of Version 3 of its sensors, further enhancing farmers’ access to real-time agricultural insights. Additionally, they have filed three more patents, marking a significant step in their innovation journey.

For Maryanne, this work is about more than just innovation — it’s about climate justice and food security. As she continues her journey, she hopes to leave behind a legacy of resilience, sustainability, and opportunity for smallholder farmers across Africa.

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO), powered by the International Trade Centre and the G20 Global Land Initiative, advances a green and just transition by investing in young entrepreneurs who drive sustainable development, environmental justice, and climate action. The programme is anchored in ITC’s Ye! Community, a global network dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs.