Kenya’s AI Agricultural Pest Detection Tool Wins 10th Africa Engineering Innovation Award Kenya has once again demonstrated its commitment to agricultural innovation, as its AI-powered pest detection tool has been awarded the prestigious 10th Africa Engineering Innovation Award. The tool, developed by a team of Kenyan engineers, utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and classify pests in crops, providing farmers with early detection and timely intervention. The competition, organized by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), recognizes the most innovative engineering solutions to Africa’s challenges. Kenya’s tool emerged as the winner among hundreds of submissions from across the continent. The AI tool uses image recognition technology to analyze crop images, identifying specific pests and their severity. This information is then transmitted to farmers’ mobile phones, enabling them to take appropriate action, such as applying pesticides or implementing biological control measures. The tool has been piloted in several farming regions in Kenya, where it has proven to significantly reduce crop losses. Farmers have reported improved yields, reduced pesticide use, and enhanced overall crop health. “This award is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our engineers,” said Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Peter Munya. “The AI pest detection tool will empower our farmers to increase their productivity and reduce post-harvest losses, boosting the agricultural sector and contributing to food security for the nation.” The tool is particularly valuable in regions where access to pest control experts is limited. By providing farmers with the information they need to identify and manage pests, the tool has the potential to transform agricultural practices and improve livelihoods across Africa. The Africa Engineering Innovation Award recognizes the vital role that engineering plays in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges. This year’s award has highlighted the transformative power of AI in enhancing agricultural productivity and empowering farmers, demonstrating Kenya’s leadership in the field of agricultural innovation.Esther Kimani Wins Africa’s Top Engineering Innovation PrizeEsther Kimani Wins Africa’s Top Engineering Innovation Prize Esther Kimani has emerged as the winner of Africa’s prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering’s African Engineering Innovation Prize, bagging a £50,000 award for her groundbreaking crop pest and disease detection device. The Winning Innovation Kimani’s device employs solar power, computer vision algorithms, and advanced machine learning to detect and identify crop pests, pathogens, or diseases, as well as the nature of the infection or infestation. It then promptly notifies farmers via SMS, enabling timely intervention. Impact on Agriculture This affordable alternative to traditional detection methods has proven highly effective, reducing crop losses for smallholder farmers by up to 30% and increasing yields by up to 40%. It empowers farmers, many of whom are women, to increase their incomes and secure their livelihoods. Africa Prize Legacy The annual Africa Prize supports innovators developing sustainable and scalable engineering solutions to local challenges in Africa. Over the past decade, the Prize has nurtured a community of nearly 150 entrepreneurs from 23 countries, who have generated over 28,000 jobs and benefited more than 10 million people through their innovative products and services. Kimani’s Vision Kimani expressed her passion for helping farmers: “My parents lost up to 40% of their crops each farming season, which impacted our standard of living. We aim to empower smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, to increase their incomes. Our goal is to reach one million farmers in the next five years.” Other Finalists Three other finalists each received 2.5 million Kenya shillings to develop their innovations: * Ecological Tiles: Environmentally friendly roofing material made from recycled plastic, addressing both plastic pollution and high construction costs. * Health La Ruche: AI chatbot and digital backend solution connecting communities with vital health information, advice, and services. * I-Waste: Mobile application that connects homes and businesses with waste collection agents for efficient garbage disposal. One to Watch Award Dr. Abubakari Zarouk Imoro was recognized with the ‘One to Watch’ award for the impact of his innovation on local communities. Call for Applications 2025 The Africa Engineering Innovation Prize 2025 is now open for entries. The Academy seeks scalable engineering solutions designed to solve local challenges. Individuals and small teams in sub-Saharan Africa are encouraged to participate, with a deadline of October 15. Supporting Engineering Innovation The Africa Prize fosters collaboration, mentorship, and recognition for African innovators, contributing to Africa’s economic prosperity and sustainable development through engineering.Kenya’s AI agricultural pest detection tool, known as the “e-Locusts” system, has emerged as the winner of the 10th Africa Engineering Innovation Award. The system is an innovative solution that harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and monitor crop-damaging pests in real-time, empowering farmers with crucial data for timely intervention. Developed by a team of Kenyan engineers, the e-Locusts system utilizes smartphone technology and machine learning algorithms to accurately detect and classify pests, including locusts and other harmful insects. The system provides farmers with early warning alerts and real-time information on pest infestations, enabling them to take prompt and targeted action. The Africa Engineering Innovation Award recognizes outstanding engineering achievements that contribute to the advancement of the continent. The e-Locusts system was selected for its innovative approach to pest management, its potential to improve crop yields and enhance food security, and its scalability for deployment in diverse agricultural ecosystems across Africa. The e-Locusts system has been successfully piloted in several regions of Kenya, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing crop losses and increasing agricultural productivity. The system’s developers are now working on expanding its reach to other African countries, seeking to contribute to the continent’s overall agricultural transformation. The recognition of Kenya’s e-Locusts system as the winner of the 10th Africa Engineering Innovation Award highlights the growing importance of AI-powered solutions for addressing challenges in the agricultural sector. This tool exemplifies the power of technology to drive innovation and empower farmers, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system for Africa.