Introduction

Agriculture is more than just a means of sustenance; it’s a lifeline for economies worldwide. In Kenya, a nation where agriculture contributes 27% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 40% of the population, the sector’s importance cannot be overstated. However, this critical industry faces a formidable challenge: the False Codling Moth (FCM), a pest that wreaks havoc on chilli plants, a key export crop for Kenya.

The impact of FCM on Kenyan agriculture, particularly on exports to the European Union, has been significant. Traditional pest detection methods, largely reliant on human visual inspection, have proven inadequate, leading to crop losses, economic strain, and jeopardized livelihoods. This scenario underscores the urgent need for an innovative and effective solution.

Enter the collaborative effort between Global Alliance Africa, Flamingo Horticulture International, and UK-based Petiole. This partnership, sparked by the Open Innovation competition launched by Innovate UK KTN, sought to address the FCM challenge head-on. Petiole’s role was pivotal, as they developed a mobile solution leveraging AI and machine learning specifically designed for FCM detection in chilli plants.

The Breakthrough and Its Impacts

This groundbreaking project culminated in a dual innovation, particularly, a mobile observation platform and an AI-driven mobile app. The tangible benefits of this solution are manifold. Rapid and effective FCM detection, compliance with regulatory standards, and, importantly, the potential for broad-scale social, economic, and environmental improvements are just a few. For Kenyan farmers, this technology promises greater job security, farm sustainability, and reduced dependency on pesticides.

Invitation to Explore the Detailed Case Study

The full scope and details of this project, including its challenges, the innovative solution, and the profound impacts on Kenyan agriculture and beyond, are comprehensively documented in our case study PDF. We invite you to delve into this inspiring journey of technology, collaboration, and positive change. Discover how this initiative not only advanced agricultural technology but also supported sustainable farming practices, setting a precedent for future innovations in the sector.

Click here to access the full case study PDF and explore the remarkable story of innovation and collaboration in Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and envisioning a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand in transforming agriculture, not just in Kenya, but globally.

Find the text of the case study on our website or at the Innovate UK KTN website. Visualisation of the case study is presented below and can be downloaded in full size here.