Frequently asked questions

About the library

What is the BAM Agribusiness Library?

It is an assistant that answers questions about running an agribusiness. Its answers come from the Global Sowers five-book handbook, written with practitioners from around the world.

Where do the answers come from?

From the handbook. The small numbers in an answer, like [1], show which part was used. The sources are listed under the answer. If you tick "Web", it also uses web pages and shows them.

Can the answers be wrong?

Yes. The library can make mistakes. Check important decisions with a qualified person, for example about money, health, chemicals or the law.

Does the library learn from my questions?

No. The handbook only changes when the Global Sowers team updates it. Your questions do not change it.

Getting started

Why do I have to answer questions when I sign up?

They help the Global Sowers team give access to the people the library is for. They also help the library give answers that fit your business.

How long does approval take?

The Global Sowers team looks at new applications as soon as they can. You will hear from them by email (or in Telegram).

I don't have a password. How do I log in?

On the login page, choose "Continue with Google", or type your email and choose "Email me a login link". The link works once and lasts 20 minutes.

Asking questions

Can I ask in my own language?

Yes. Choose your answer language on your Account page, or "Auto-detect" to be answered in the language you use.

How long can a voice message be?

Up to 30 seconds. A countdown shows how long you have left. You can pause, listen to it, and then send or delete it.

Why didn't my voice message work?

Speak clearly, close to the phone, in a quiet place. Allow the website to use your microphone when your phone asks. If it still doesn't work, type your question instead.

How do I hear the answer?

Tick "Read aloud" to hear every answer, or tap 🔊 under one answer. You can choose the voice on your Account page.

Can I send a photo?

Yes. Tap 📷 on the website, or send a photo in Telegram, with a question about it.

How do I use the library in Telegram?

Add your mobile number on your Account page. Then open the library bot in Telegram, tap "Start", then "📱 Share my phone number". See the User guide for the commands.

Telegram says my number isn't registered. What do I do?

The number must be exactly the one saved on your account, with the country code. Check it on your Account page, or ask the Global Sowers team to add it.

Allowance and costs

What is the monthly allowance?

Each account has a monthly allowance for using the library. Long answers, photos, web searches and voice use more of it. Your Account page shows what you have used and when it renews.

What happens when the allowance runs out?

You can ask again when it renews at the start of next month. If you need more, ask the Global Sowers team.

Privacy

Who can see my conversations?

Your conversations are encrypted. The Global Sowers team can read a conversation when you ask for help or the library flags it for safety or human support. You can delete your conversations at any time on your Account page.

What should I not share?

Please don't include names of other people, exact locations or private documents in your questions.

Help

How do I talk to a real person?

Choose "Talk to a person" at the bottom of the page, or send /person in Telegram. The Global Sowers team will contact you.

The library will be offline for maintenance. What does that mean?

Sometimes the library is updated. You will get a message by email or Telegram before, and a banner shows in the app. It is usually back within a few minutes.