NEC, ClimateAi develop AI model to support African farmers facing climate change

AFRICA – NEC Corporation has joined forces with San Francisco-based startup ClimateAi to create an AI-driven conceptual model that measures the effectiveness of climate change adaptation measures for cocoa and rice farming in Africa.

The initiative combines NEC’s agritech expertise with ClimateAi’s long-term climate forecasting technology to assess how temperature, soil, and water availability affect crop yields.

The model also calculates the economic return on investment from adaptation measures, giving farmers and policymakers concrete evidence to guide decisions.

“This is a significant step because farmers and governments have long struggled to understand whether investments in irrigation or climate-adapted seeds will pay off,” an NEC spokesperson said. “By quantifying the benefits, we can show where adaptation makes the most sense.”

Africa produces most of the world’s cocoa, while rice remains a staple for millions. Yet both crops face serious threats from shifting weather conditions.

Using the new model, NEC and ClimateAi analyzed measures such as irrigation, switching to climate-adapted seed varieties, and adjusting planting schedules.

“We applied our platform to project not just the risks, but also the effectiveness of specific actions farmers can take,” said Himanshu Gupta, CEO of ClimateAi.

“The model provides a clear view of which investments can safeguard yields and deliver value in the long run.”

Interactive demonstrations will be available during the TICAD Business Expo & Conference in Yokohama. Development banks and international organizations supporting agriculture are expected to review the system as a tool for designing farm-level projects.

Financing and next steps

The partnership emphasizes that financing remains a central challenge. Large-scale adaptation in agriculture requires public funds and private investment.

NEC and ClimateAi say the ability to show financial returns from adaptation will encourage banks, governments, and investors to commit long-term resources.

The companies are also exploring opportunities with equipment suppliers and seed companies to move the concept closer to market.

NEC explained that the approach can support financing decisions by reducing uncertainty for private sector players while helping producers adopt solutions more effectively.

Beyond cocoa and rice, the two firms see wider applications across agriculture and even in infrastructure and manufacturing supply chains. “We want to use technology to support not only farmers but the entire ecosystem around food and agriculture,” NEC stated.

NEC confirmed that it will present these results at TICAD 9 and continue refining the model through feedback from stakeholders. “The future is ours to shape,” the company said, reaffirming its commitment to building solutions that strengthen food security while supporting sustainable farming across Africa.

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