Turning cashew dreams into reality: ChivCheat's AI chatbot on its way to transform Cambodian agriculture

From
CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas
Published on
28.08.24
Impact Area
Adaptation, Climate adaptation & mitigation, Environmental health & biodiversity, Gender equality, youth & social inclusion, Youth

ChivCheat, a tech startup, has set out to transform cashew farming in Cambodia. Their innovative approach involves developing an AI-powered digital tool to help farmers easily combat diseases, increase crop output, and improve their financial returns.

Founded in February 2024 by a passionate team – Kheng Pitou, Rith Sokhavattey, Nang Sokun, Cheng Mengly, and Keo Lythenghuy – ChivCheat is not your average tech company. Their brainchild is a chatbot accessible directly through Telegram, a messaging app already popular among Cambodian farmers (with 60% in the pilot area in Kampong Thom already using it!). This makes it easy for anyone to get started, no additional downloads or websites required.

So, what can this AI chatbot do? Here is the benefit: farmers can interact with ChivCheat in Khmer, their native language, using images, voice messages, or simple text. The chatbot then leverages the power of Google’s Gemini API to analyze the information and then provide research-proven recommendations. For instance, if a farmer sends a photo of a wilting cashew tree, the chatbot can diagnose the disease and suggest solutions. Worried about low yields? ChivCheat can provide tips for optimizing cashew growth.

ChivCheat’s impact goes beyond individual farms. They envision a future where Cambodian agriculture thrives through:

Increased Productivity: By providing data-driven advice, ChivCheat empowers farmers to make informed decisions, leading to higher yields and improved cashew quality.

Building Stronger Communities: The platform encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration among farmers, fostering a sense of community and collective resources.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability: The chatbot promotes eco-friendly practices, helping reduce the use of harmful chemicals and protecting natural resources.

Bridging the Digital Divide: With a user-friendly Khmer interface, ChivCheat makes advanced technology accessible to farmers in rural areas.

To guarantee the reliability of their AI assistant, ChivCheat employs a dual strategy. Firstly, they prioritize data accuracy by sourcing information from scientific literature, reputable sources like the Ministry of Agriculture and experienced cashew experts. Secondly, the company actively seeks feedback from farmers through workshops and testing to continuously refine the chatbot’s capabilities.

Looking forward, ChivCheat aims to expand its reach beyond Kampong Thom province to support cashew farmers across Cambodia. Additionally, they aim to enhance the chatbot’s accessibility by introducing multiple languages and forging partnerships to offer additional services.

ChivCheat is a shining example of how AI can drive positive change in agriculture. By equipping farmers with advanced technology,they are paving the way for a more sustainable, profitable, and knowledge-driven future for Cambodian agriculture.

The Dak Dam Innovators program, a collaborative effort between Impact Hub and the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD), is fostering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in Cambodia.