Background
Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cocoa, cotton, and rubber, with agriculture contributing 25–30% of GDP and employing nearly two-thirds of the population. However, the sector faces growing challenges due to climate change, particularly erratic weather patterns that aggravate the spread of crop diseases and pests. These threats significantly reduce yields and revenues, with the World Bank estimating potential losses between USD 650 million and 1.3 billion by the end of the century. Traditional methods of disease detection are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and dependent on expert availability, leaving smallholder farmers especially vulnerable.
Recent advances in artificial intelligence have led to the development of mobile applications capable of detecting plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies through image recognition. Applications such as Plantix, Agrio, and Tumaini already demonstrate the potential of AI-driven tools to provide farmers with rapid, low-cost, and accurate diagnoses along with tailored recommendations. For Côte d’Ivoire, leveraging these solutions could be transformative, helping farmers prevent losses, improve productivity, and strengthen food security.
CTCN Support
Through this technical assistance, the CTCN will support Côte d’Ivoire in identifying the most reliable, accessible, and context-appropriate AI-based mobile applications for plant disease detection, with a focus on cocoa, cotton, and rubber. The TA will also design and deliver a national awareness and capacity building campaign to train farmers and key stakeholders in the effective use of these tools. By bridging the technological gap, CTCN will help ensure that digital solutions are aligned with local needs, available in local languages, and accessible to the most vulnerable groups.
Expected Outcome
This technical assistance is expected to enhance the resilience of Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural sector by empowering farmers with practical AI solutions for early detection and management of crop diseases. Widespread adoption of these tools will contribute to increased yields, improved farmer incomes, and reduced losses, thereby strengthening national food security. In the long term, it will also foster digital innovation in agriculture, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient practices in one of the country’s most strategic economic sectors.
Seeking Experts
The CTCN invites qualified experts and firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in this initiative. For further information on this opportunity, visit the UN Global Market Place (UNGM) or the UN website.
If you are not yet a member of the CTCN Network, you can apply to join here.
