Maltiti Anifa Hardy is an agricultural engineering student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a rising advocate for the use of technology to modernize farming in Ghana. Passionate about sustainable agriculture and food systems, Maltiti is focused on equipping smallholder farmers with the digital tools they need to thrive in the face of climate uncertainty.

Inspired by the resilience of farmers in Ghana’s Northern Region, where agriculture is central to livelihoods but often challenged by unpredictable rainfall and limited infrastructure, Maltiti became determined to find innovative, accessible solutions to help rural communities adapt. She recognized that one of the most powerful tools farmers lack is timely information, and that simple technologies could change that.

Her project, Agri-Intelligence, introduces low-cost soil moisture sensors, weather trackers, and mobile-based data tools to give farmers real-time insights into their crops and land. From knowing the ideal time to plant to preventing over-irrigation, the system helps maximize yield and reduce input waste. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the tools are usable by both literate and non-literate farmers.

But Agri-Intelligence is more than just a tech solution, it’s a model for community empowerment. Maltiti is working to train local youth as agri-tech ambassadors who install, maintain, and interpret these tools for farmers in their own communities. These “agri-hubs” become not only knowledge-sharing centers, but also sources of rural employment and innovation.

Maltiti’s work is deeply rooted in the Ghanaian context, drawing on the strengths of local communities and the creativity of young people. She believes the next wave of agricultural progress in Ghana will be driven by youth who understand both tradition and technology.

Looking ahead, she envisions expanding Agri-Intelligence across Ghana’s farming regions—integrating climate-smart methods and real-time data to build a future where every farmer, regardless of background or location, can grow with confidence.