MVP — Phase 1 scope. Live demo accompanying our AIC Namibia 2026 submission.
Oshana
RegionCommodityProgrammesForumAdvisorOfficer queueHeita (WhatsApp)
Phase 2 — coming on WhatsApp

Heita

Oshana on WhatsApp.

For the ~90% of Namibian farmers who won't download an app, Heita is Oshana's WhatsApp persona. Same bounded corpus, same source citations, same refusal to invent answers. Different surface — meeting people where they already are.

Why WhatsApp

96% of Namibian smartphone users have WhatsApp. The gesture model — voice notes, photo sharing, share-to-group — is already learned. Heita lives where the users already live.

Build status

WhatsApp Business API registration takes 4–6 weeks. The advisor backend the bot reuses is already live at /advisor. Pilot launch is planned for the AIC semi-final window.

Bridge to the 90%

Cooperative coordinators (Frans, Tuyenikelao) install the app, then forward Heita conversations and programme share-cards via WhatsApp to their nine-, fifteen-, fifty-member groups. One install, dozens of farmers served.

H
Heita · Oshana
online
👋 Heita! I'm Oshana's WhatsApp assistant. I can answer questions about Namibian farming using cited research. Ask me anything in English, Oshiwambo, or Afrikaans.
09:42
Eenhana mahangu planting season for this year?
09:42
For Ohangwena, planting starts on the first effective rains — usually late November to mid-December. CCAP rip-line preparation should happen in October–early November. Want me to check the 30-year rainfall pattern for your area?
📎 NAB Mahangu Guide📎 Atlas of Namibia
09:42
Yes please. And which mahangu variety do you recommend?
09:42
Long-term Ohangwena average is 450–550 mm, falling almost entirely Nov–Mar. Last three drought years: 2013, 2016, 2019. On varieties: Okashana 2 is your safest choice — improved disease tolerance against downy mildew, 75–90 day maturity, performs well in mixed rainfall years. Okashana 1 has wider distribution. Kangara is a hybrid with higher yield potential but needs more reliable rainfall.
📎 NAB Mahangu Guide📎 Atlas of Namibia
09:42
Any open grants I should apply for now?
09:42
Two open right now in your region: 1. **Agribank Women & Youth Loan Scheme** — up to N$300k, rolling intake. Best for input or equipment purchase. 2. **CCAP enrolment** — subsidised CA inputs + free extension support. Register before October land-preparation window. Want me to share either of these as a one-tap message you can forward?
📎 Agribank📎 FAO Namibia
09:42
Message Heita…