About the Project
AgriBuddy began with a simple observation. Farmers in Sabah often lacked timely and practical guidance on how to deal with changing weather conditions, resource limitations, and modern farming practices. While many programs offered support, few provided tools that combined real-time data, personalized advice, and flexibility for everyday farming.
From this gap, we created AgriBuddy, an AI-powered crop management app that provides farmers with clear steps for soil, water, fertilizer, pest control, and finances. Its early rollout in Papar, Ranau and Tambunan, shaped by farmer feedback and supported by local partners, shows that technology can be both accessible and practical.
Why do you care about this specific topic/issue?
We come from both agricultural and community development backgrounds. We saw that conversations about digital farming in Malaysia were often surface-level and fragmented. Farmers in Sabah faced daily challenges without reliable tools to guide their choices in the field. What initially appeared to be individual struggles pointed to a larger challenge, which is the absence of accessible systems to strengthen local food security.
For us, this project is not only about improving young people’ productivity. It is about ensuring that farming families and Sabah as a whole can depend on rice as a stable foundation for the future.
Why did you decide to start this project?
We started AgriBuddy because we identified a gap between existing support programs and the daily realities of farmers. Many farmers still relied on memory or scattered advice, while students struggled to connect classroom learning with practice. Through conversations, farmers expressed frustration with unreliable systems, while showing interest in tools that felt modern and useful.
These insights motivated us to design a platform that is both research-based and rooted in real community needs.
What are your goals for this project?
Our mission is to equip farmers with knowledge, tools, and confidence to make smarter decisions. We aim to increase yields, use resources more efficiently, and encourage better farming practices. At the same time, we hope to inspire young people to see agriculture not only as a tradition but also as an innovative and technology-driven path.
To achieve these goals, we are running workshops, testing the app in the field, and improving features based on feedback from farmers. We want AgriBuddy to continue growing together with the people who use it.
How will YSEALI Seeds help you achieve your goals?
YSEALI Seeds provided us the support needed to turn AgriBuddy from an idea into reality. Funding enabled us to pilot programs and beta tests, while mentors helped us refine our strategy and strengthen partnerships.
Just as important, the YSEALI network connects us with partners across government, academia, and young professionals. This support enables us to expand our reach and secure the future of the project.
What have you accomplished and implemented so far?
From April 2025, we have reached several milestones. We soft-launched the app in Kg Meridi, Ranau, during a training attended by 190 farmers and students. The event was officiated by the Member of Parliament of Ranau with support from the Sabah Rice Board.
We then held a workshop at Kolej Komuniti Tambunan, where 40 Agro Technology students and lecturers connected classroom lessons with real farming. Pilot testing was conducted in three rice-farming villages: Meridi, Tenghilan, and Langkawit, where farmers began logging their practices and sharing feedback.
Along the way, we built partnerships with SCENIC, ONSOI Agritech, Bersatu Teguh Solutions, Kelab Belia Kg Meridi, and the Ranau Agriculture Department. These collaborations are laying the foundation for scaling the project.
What are the most significant lessons learned you’ve experienced so far?
Working with farmers taught us that tools must adapt to people, not the other way around. Some elderly farmers struggled with digital literacy, showing us the importance of simple training, visuals, and step-by-step support.
We also learned that impact goes beyond counting participants. Tracking knowledge gained, improved practices, and farmer feedback gives us a fuller picture of real change. These lessons are helping us improve the app and refine our approach to measuring success.
What are the success stories you can share with others?
Farmers have shared stories that show how AgriBuddy is making a difference. One farmer in Kg Meridi said he often forgot pesticide and fertilizer schedules when relying only on memory. With AgriBuddy, he now records every step and plans with confidence.
Students are also seeing benefits. In Tambunan, one student explained how the app helped him connect classroom lessons with farming in the field. Another described it as “like playing a game, both online and offline,” proving that technology can make agriculture more engaging for young people.
These stories affirm that AgriBuddy is more than an app. It is a bridge between tradition and innovation, and a step toward stronger farming communities in Sabah.
