Cereal farmers in sub-Saharan Africa typically harvest only 20 to 40% of what their land could produce (van Ittersum et al
Cereal farmers in sub-Saharan Africa typically harvest only 20 to 40% of what their land could produce (van Ittersum et al., PNAS 2025). Better farming practices can close part of that gap, and the knowledge already exists in research institutes, government guides and project manuals, but very little of it reaches farmers. FieldFriend is a personal farm advisor on the farmer's phone. The farmer tells it where their field is, what they grow and what they have to work with. FieldFriend combines this with local weather, soil data and a library of agricultural research, and gives the farmer a plan for the whole season that says what to do, when, and in what amounts for their own field. It answers their questions when something goes wrong, and farmers never pay to use it. The advice favours regenerative, climate-resilient practices that raise yields while keeping soil healthy and productive for the long term. It is matched to each farmer's place and conditions rather than copied from one standard package, and it advises on nutrient amounts rather than fertiliser brands. As farmers work through their season, FieldFriend builds an up-to-date picture of what is being grown, where, how, and when it will be harvested. Processors and buyers can plan around real supply instead of estimates. Input and service companies can reach farmers when they need seed, fertiliser or a harvester. Companies with sustainable sourcing commitments get a field-level record of how their crops are grown. FieldFriend is preparing to launch in West Africa and is built for farmers across the continent. It was founded by James Dahlgreen, who spent four years scaling high-yield regenerative rice cultivation in Africa. If you work with smallholder farmers or buy from them, write to [email protected].