The Challenges
These challenges address soil health challenges through data-driven solutions and cross-sector collaboration. Kenya’s agriculture sector faces threats from declining soil health, limited data access, and climate change. The challenge unites innovators, researchers, and policymakers to develop digital and non-digital solutions leveraging AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to improve agricultural productivity.
The challenges envision a future where technology enhances soil health and food security by:
- Providing scalable solutions for soil management.
- Equipping farmers with data-driven insights for better yields.
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking using real-time data.
- Fostering partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.
The Data for Soil Health Challenge Thematic Areas
This challenge focuses on five data-driven thematic areas:
- Precision agriculture and location-specific soil management
- Developing AI-powered models for site-specific soil interventions.
- Using satellite imagery and sensors to optimize soil health.
- Soil carbon measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV)
- Creating data systems for accurate carbon measurement.
- Supporting carbon sequestration initiatives and credit schemes.
- Optimized fertilizer distribution and supply chain management
- Enhancing fertilizer distribution efficiency through predictive analytics.
- Helping farmers access the right fertilizers based on soil data.
- Generative AI applications for soil health
- Using AI-driven simulations to predict soil health outcomes.
- Generating recommendations for better soil management practices.
- Policy impact assessment and decision support tools
- Developing data-driven policy models for sustainable soil management.
- Providing real-time insights for evidence-based policymaking.
The Innovation in Soil Health Challenge Thematic Areas
This challenge seeks scalable agricultural innovations that enhance soil health.
- Soil testing and advisory services
- Affordable soil testing kits, mobile apps, and remote sensing tools.
- Customized advisory services for smallholder farmers.
- Precision agriculture solutions
- GPS-guided equipment, drones, and automated irrigation systems.
- AI-powered pest detection and soil monitoring tools.
- Enhancing soil carbon sequestration
- Carbon farming, biochar production, and sustainable soil management.
- Solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Bio-fertilizer and lime acidity management
- Organic fertilizers, composting, and microbial inoculants.
- Data-driven lime application for soil acidity management.
- Urban food systems and climate-smart agriculture
- Controlled-environment farming, IoT-based monitoring, and traceability systems.
- Sustainable urban agri-business models for food security.
Who can apply?
- AgTech startups – digital solutions for soil health.
- Farmers and agricultural practitioners – tools for improved soil management.
- Researchers and academics – contributions in AI, soil science, and agriculture.
- Government agencies and policymakers – supporting sustainable agriculture policies.
- Investors and donors – funding innovative agricultural solutions.
- Data providers and analysts – supplying critical datasets.
How to apply
You can apply for either the Data for Soil Health Challenge and/or the Innovation Challenge, or both by completing the application forms below
Apply now and be part of Kenya’s agricultural transformation!
FAQ
- Who is eligible? Startups, researchers, NGOs, and AgTech firms.
- What is the reward for the winning applications? Mentorship, access to datasets, networking, and technical assistance.
- Will winners receive funding? No funding will be provided.
- When will winners be announced? End of May 2025.
For further inquiries, contact: bagengo@worldbank.org
