An Introduction to AKILIMO Decision Support Tools

1. Decision support tools

2. Cassava
growers
Extension
worker
Cloud-based
prediction engine
Extrapolate recommendations
Predict response to intervention
Understand Agronomy × Environment
Printable guides / maps
Smartphone app
Short code messages
IVR
DB logging requests
: a digital service to provide tailored agronomic advice

3. Our DST formats
app printable
guides

4. Printable guides

5. Printable guides
• Simplified versions of the digital versions
• Less dynamic than the digital tools: some input variables are fixed
• Can be printed and taken home by the farmer
• Combines recommendations with accompanying instructions
• Higher retention and understanding of the logic of the tool
• Attractive for extension workers to use as training material
• Customizable for partners with logos and product brands

6. Accompanied by farmer’s worksheet
Black & white version to
simplify calculation of the
recommendations.
Can be completed by the
farmer with the help of an
extension worker.

7. Annexes: tables and maps

8. The AKILIMO app
Available for android on
google play store

9. The AKILIMO app
• Intended for use by trained extension workers
• Most complex version of the decision support tool, highest granularity and
fully tailored recommendations
• All variables are dynamic, some are compulsory, for others default values
are available
• All input data collected offline and queued, sent to an R server when
online, recommendations then calculated and returned
• Recommendations shown within the app, and/or sent by email in
a pdf report, or by SMS
• Refers to training videos for accompanying instructions

10. Higher granularity…

11. Higher granularity…

12. Cassava
growers
Extension
worker
Cloud-based
prediction engine
Extrapolate recommendations
Predict response to intervention
Understand Agronomy × Environment
Printable guides / maps
Smartphone app
DB logging requests
: a digital service to provide tailored agronomic advice

13. You have a job to do…
On a green card, note down what positively surprised you.
On a yellow card, note down suggestions for further improvement to the
modelling framework or the validation exercise setup.
On a red card, note down critical issues that need addressing.
Indicate whether your comment applies to a format / partner,
or is cross-cutting / applies to all formats / partners.