Mfon Uwa: Yiieldy’s AI Solutions Are Helping Farmers Boost Yields and Minimize Waste
Agriculture remains the backbone of many economies across the Global South, providing livelihoods for millions. Yet, the sector faces persistent challenges—from inefficient resource management to lack of access to technical knowledge—that hinder productivity and profitability. As climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. Technology, particularly AI and data-driven systems, holds immense promise in addressing these pressing developmental issues. However, the adoption of such tools among smallholder farmers has been sluggish due to barriers like cost, digital literacy, and infrastructure.
With nearly two decades of experience in software development, cloud solutions, and predictive analytics, Mfon Uwa is bridging the gap between technological advancement and agricultural practice to transform food systems and secure sustainable livelihoods for farmers in Nigeria. Founder and CTO of Yiieldy Technologies, an AgTech platform, Uwa is leveraging his technical expertise to empower African farmers with AI-driven solutions to boost yields and minimize waste. “Technology can be the equalizer that helps smallholder farmers become more productive and profitable,” Uwa says. “Our goal is to make advanced tools accessible and practical, so farmers can benefit from data-driven decision-making without needing technical expertise.
From Software Engineering to AgTech Innovation
Uwa’s journey into AgTech stems from a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a keen understanding of technology’s transformative power. Originally trained in mathematics and statistics, Uwa began his career as a software engineer before transitioning into data engineering and AI. His background in statistics made him a natural fit for the burgeoning field of data science. Still, he chose to specialize in preparing data for machine learning models rather than focusing solely on analytics.
“When you look at where the world is heading, traditional software is giving way to AI,” Uwa explains. “With my background, I realized I could support machine learning and AI engineers by preparing the data that powers their models.” It was this technical acumen, combined with firsthand experience as a commercial farmer, that inspired Uwa to create Yiieldy. His own farming venture a decade ago exposed him to the common challenges faced by farmers in Nigeria — from under-skilled staff to inefficient resource management. “I realized the same knowledge that powers machine learning — learning from past data — could be applied to help farmers make better decisions,” he says.
Precision Agriculture for Poultry Farmers
Yiieldy began by addressing a key challenge in Nigerian agriculture: the lack of data-driven decision-making. The platform initially focused on poultry farming, a sector Uwa identified as more organized and primed for digital transformation. The company’s flagship product, Yiield Fiiz, uses AI to help farmers track feed inputs, monitor production metrics, and receive recommendations to optimize output. “In livestock farming, input should be proportional to output — what you give in terms of feed should translate into meat, milk, or eggs,” Uwa explains. “But many farmers don’t apply this principle. Our app calculates the feed conversion ratio and makes recommendations, ensuring farmers neither underfeed nor overfeed their animals.” This precision not only improves yields but also minimizes waste. “If you underfeed, your output is poor. If you overfeed, you’re wasting money. By feeding based on our recommendations, farmers can maximize profits,” Uwa adds.
An AI-Powered Virtual Farm Assistant
One of Yiieldy’s standout features is its AI-powered virtual assistant. This assistant acts as a digital companion, guiding farmers through the entire farming process. Leveraging OpenAI’s technology, the assistant provides tailored advice, helping farmers make informed decisions in real time. “The AI Staff is like having a knowledgeable companion by your side,” Uwa says. “It’s not just about automation — it’s about making technology accessible and practical for farmers.” This innovation comes at a critical time, as African farmers have been slow to adopt technology—most often due to obstacles related to accessibility.
Beyond Poultry: The Future of Yiieldy
While Yiieldy’s initial focus has been poultry farming, Uwa envisions the platform expanding into broader precision agriculture. Currently, the company supports local farmers in Edo State, cultivating 40 hectares of maize. The goal is to apply the same AI-driven principles to crop farming, ultimately offering a comprehensive suite of precision agriculture solutions.
“In the next five years, AI will be a companion in agriculture, helping farmers reduce waste, forecast yields, and optimize resources,” Uwa predicts. “The only way we can meet the demands of population growth is by adopting technology.” Yiieldy’s expansion plans include scaling operations across Nigeria and entering markets in Kenya and Uganda, where agricultural technology adoption is gaining momentum.
Empowering Farmers, Disrupting the Middleman
Uwa’s vision goes beyond boosting yields — it’s about empowering farmers to reclaim control of their profits. In Nigeria, third-party middlemen often make more money than the farmers themselves, buying produce at low prices and selling it at significant markups. “Farmers often don’t have the luxury of time to keep track of their expenses — they want to sell,” Uwa explains. “By helping farmers maintain records, forecast yields, and access end users directly, we’re disrupting the market and putting more money back into the hands of those who work the hardest.”
As Yiieldy continues to evolve, Uwa remains committed to using technology to solve some of Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges. With a blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and personal passion, he is poised to reshape the future of farming across the continent. To learn more about Yiieldy, visit their website or connect with Mfon Uwa on LinkedIn.
