Esther Wanjiru Kimani is a 29-year-old Kenyan innovator transforming the agricultural landscape for rural communities in Kenya through AI-driven solutions. Growing up on the slopes of the Aberdare Mountains, she witnessed first-hand how pests, diseases, and unpredictable climate conditions led to devastating crop losses. Every season was a gamble — up to a third of the harvest was lost, and in some years, droughts and floods wiped out more than 65% of yields. These losses meant deepening poverty and hunger, with smallholder farmers struggling to earn a stable income.Determined to change this reality, Kimani was privileged to attend university, where she pursued computer science with a singular vision: to develop a technology-driven solution that would empower farmers to protect their crops and increase their income. This vision led to the founding of Farmer Lifeline, an agri-tech innovation that is now deployed across seven counties in Kenya, helping thousands of smallholder farmers detect pests and diseases early, safeguard their harvests, and improve their livelihoods.Beyond technology, Kimani is on a mission to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by equipping farmers with accessible, AI-powered tools that drive productivity and financial security. She is particularly passionate about empowering women, who make up 65% of her initiatives, ensuring they have the resources to sustain their farms and families.Her work has earned global recognition, including: ● Being honored with the 2024 United Nations FAO Achievement Scroll for the transformative impact of her technology in addressing food security. ● Being invited as a speaker at COP28 to speak on the role of youth in tackling climate change. ● Receiving the 2023 Waislitz Global Citizen Disruptor Award. ● Delivering a public lecture at the Grace Hopper Celebration 2023 in Florida, discussing AI’s role in building climate-resilient rural communities.Through innovation and relentless dedication, Kimani is reshaping the future of agriculture, ensuring that rural farmers have the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and hunger — one farm at a time.