NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 21- A device that detects crop diseases and pests was one of the three innovations presented at the just concluded 8th COMESA Annual Research Forum conducted on 13 – 16 September 2021.
The device leverages on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning and has multiple small camera modules interfaced with a computer system.
Presenting the innovation for consideration in the COMESA Innovation Awards, Esther Kimani of Farmer-Life-Line Technologies Ltd, Kenya, said the innovation was inspired by the need to find a solution to the prevalent destruction of crops by either pests, pathogens, or delayed treatment of diseases prevalent in the region.
“The camera system is programmed to capture images of the crops in the field periodically and process the images using advanced computer vision algorithms to determine the nature of the infection or infestation, any pests or pathogens,” she said.
The device comes with a camera that is solar-powered and can operate even in very rainy seasons. It has a power retention capacity of 48 hours and can effectively detect crop diseases and pests over a 730 meters radius.
The camera has a long footing usually put into the soil with the camera-ball interface over-looking the plants/farm to detect and predict crop diseases, pathogens and pests infections and sends an SMS alert to the farmers’ phone.
Among the problems that this technology seeks to address are delayed identification of crop diseases and pests’ infestation, use of wrong chemicals and pesticides due to inaccurate identification of crop disease and pests and application of wrong fertilizers due to incorrect predictions of crop diseases.
The company plans to commercialize the data generated by the devices to governments and non-governmental organizations to support in policymaking. It will also sell or lease the devices to farmers and farmers’ groups.
So far, the innovator has acquired patents for the technology and intends to partner with the ministries of agriculture in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Egypt by 2022.
The other innovation presented at the forum was a medicine dispensing machine developed by Billy Munyenyembe of Zambia. The innovation known as BRIISP Medicine Dispenser seeks to enhance access to health services especially in developing countries, where medical facilities are far apart.
Another innovation was by Kanhye Health Foods Company, the pioneer commercial grower and producer of Moringa plant products in Mauritius. The company produces assorted products including nutraceuticals, foods supplements and infusion tea.
The winning technology receives a financial award to support its further development and commercialization. The award is presented during the COMESA Heads of State Summit.
The COMESA Innovation Award scheme was launched in 2013 to recognize and celebrate individuals and institutions that have used science technology and innovation to advance regional integration agenda. The awards are targeted at small and medium enterprises, youth, women, groups, and institutions in COMESA member states.
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