Researchers at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) have developed an AI-powered digital platform called Pataintel to enhance onion and garlic farming in Tanzania.

The platform provides farmers with location-specific agricultural information, including weather forecasts, pest control advice, harvesting techniques, and market access.This innovation aims to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmer incomes.Tanzania is the East African Community's leading onion producer, exporting over 200,000 tonnes annually to Uganda, Kenya, Congo, and Europe.Garlic imports still dominate due to low local production, but Pataintel could address this gap.Funded under the HEET programme, the platform supports Tanzania's Development Vision 2050 by integrating technology into agriculture.Agricultural officers highlight its role in helping farmers respond to disease outbreaks and access real-time data.Farmers like Sikialy Nicodemu welcome the tool for making professional advice accessible and improving decision-making.