The growing threats of climate change to food and water security have prompted scientists to turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to support farmers in managing complex agricultural challenges. In December 2025, the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, launched the AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development, aiming to scale AI-driven solutions worldwide. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), as part of CGIAR’s AI Hub, is a core contributor to this initiative, collaborating with AI71 to develop AI tools that enhance water resilience in agriculture.
The UAE AI Ecosystem has launched four flagship initiatives—Institute for Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence (IA|AI), CGIAR AI Hub, AgriLLM, and AIM for Scale—designed to mobilize technologies and partnerships for practical agri-AI solutions. IWMI Director General Mark Smith highlighted the critical role of AI in closing data gaps, assessing climate risks in real time, and guiding smarter water and agricultural management decisions.
Central to IWMI’s contribution is the Global Hydrological Foundation Model, which builds on previous AI-driven Digital Twin projects for river basin management. This AI framework integrates near-real-time global datasets with hydrological modeling to deliver accurate forecasts at scale, enabling data-scarce and climate-vulnerable regions to access actionable insights for water and crop management.
An example of practical AI application is the Limpopo Water Copilot, developed in partnership with Microsoft. The system combines a digital twin of the Limpopo River Basin with AI agents, presenting complex hydrological and climate data through a user-friendly chatbot interface. This allows water managers, farmers, and local communities to make informed decisions on climate, drought, and flood risks.
Beyond river basins, IWMI supports AI tools for climate-smart planning and investment, helping governments and development partners assess water risks, prioritize interventions, and design resilient infrastructure. The institute is also developing a CGIAR AI backbone that links research data, models, and evidence across disciplines, while AI-enabled citizen science networks in Southern Africa integrate community observations with machine learning to monitor freshwater ecosystems and strengthen early warning systems.
Together, these digital tools facilitate accessible, scalable, and timely information sharing. IWMI emphasizes translating complex science into practical insights for farmers, fostering collaboration among water stakeholders, and supporting decision-making that is inclusive and locally relevant. Deputy Director General Rachael McDonnell noted that providing actionable AI-driven data can significantly improve agricultural outcomes for communities facing climate pressures.
The UAE AI Ecosystem, supported by multi-sector partnerships, demonstrates how artificial intelligence can transform global agricultural research into climate-smart solutions, helping farmers, policymakers, and communities adapt, plan, and thrive amid increasingly extreme weather conditions.
