Agriculture
Harnessing the Power of IoT, AI, and Data Science for Sustainable and Productive Farming
Data-driven Agriculture
In recent years, the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Science has opened up new horizons for sustainable agricultural methods. These cutting-edge technologies have empowered farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and automated systems, resulting in improved resource management, better production, and less environmental impact.
To shed light on the potential of this transformative trio, @iLabAfrica organized a webinar to address the efficient application of IoT, AI, and Data Science in enabling sustainable farming methods.
The webinar brought together industry experts, researchers, and farmers to share their knowledge and experiences in leveraging IoT, AI, and Data Science for sustainable agriculture.
In his opening remarks, Dr. John Olukuru, Head of Data Science and Analytics @iLabAfrica, said that IoT, AI, and Data Science have ushered in a new era of precision farming, where data-driven decision-making holds the key to achieving sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
“As we are all aware, the world is facing numerous challenges in the realm of food production and resource management, and it is imperative that we explore innovative solutions that enable us to feed our planet sustainably,” said Dr. Olukuru.
Dr. Olukuru further underscored the tremendous opportunity to effectively solve these challenges presented by the confluence of IoT, AI, and Data Science. Farmers may collect real-time information on crop health, weather patterns, and other critical characteristics by incorporating IoT devices like sensors, drones, and smart monitoring systems into their agricultural activities.
Maryanne Gichanga, co-founder and CEO of Agritech Analytics, presenting in the webinar, recalled that when she was growing up, the rains were plentiful, seasons were predictable, and farm produce was guaranteed, which is not the case anymore as a result of a raging climate change that has altered farming seasons.
For this, Maryanne founded Agritech Analytics with the intention of supporting small-holder farmers whose farming operations have been disrupted by unpredictable weather.
“I desire to end hunger in Africa; it is exciting to create a solution that people associate with, connecting farmers in a seamless and efficient manner by harnessing the capabilities of IoT, AI, and Data Science,” said Maryanne.
IoT has become a game changer in the field of agriculture, enabling data-driven practices that enhance productivity, resource management, and sustainability. By connecting physical objects and devices to the internet, IoT technologies provide a wealth of real-time data that can revolutionize agricultural operations.
In line with Maryanne’s initiative, Stephen Gitahi, Research and Project Coordinator, IoT and Wireless Networks Lab @iLabAfrica, stated some of the projects that their department is working on in regards to Data-driven agriculture, including A model Implementation of an IoT-based Smart watering system for crops using Long range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), which helps keep track of soil moisture levels, keep track of irrigation water reservoir levels, and quantify the amount of water used for irrigation. It can also be shared among 20 to 30 local farmers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science have significantly changed traditional farming methods and made it possible for more effective, sustainable, and fruitful agricultural systems.
Paschal Kyalo, Junior Business Intelligence Analyst @iLabAfrica, shared ways in which AI and Data Science have impacted the agricultural sector, one of which is enhancing crop yield and quality through data-driven insights and optimization techniques.
“By harnessing the power of AI algorithms and data analysis, farmers can now access valuable insights into various factors that affect crop production. Historical data, weather patterns, soil conditions, and other relevant information are processed and analyzed to generate actionable recommendations. These insights help farmers optimize their farming practices, including irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest control,” said Paschal.
With the aid of AI, farmers can make well-informed decisions on when and how much to irrigate their crops based on current weather information and soil moisture levels. This precision in irrigation contributes to improved water management, reduced water wastage, and enhanced crop health.
The integration of IoT, AI, and Data Science in agriculture holds tremendous potential for a more sustainable, productive, and food-secure future.
By Wachira Kevin.
STRATHMORE UNIVERSITY HOSTS 2ND EDITION OF DATA SCIENCE WEEK
Strathmore University’s @iLabAfrica hosted the second edition of the Strathmore Data Science Week at the Microsoft Auditorium, in what was a week-long event that showcased the real-life application of data science across the continent, including work done through the collaboration between the University of Bristol – Jean Golding Institute and the Data Science Unit at Strathmore University.
The event attracted over 50 participants interested in Data Science who were in attendance and it involved a series of talks, workshops, and presentation sessions among students, researchers and professionals who delved into diverse areas such as health, agriculture, and climate challenges.
The Data Week provided an environment that fostered in-person networking and development as well as blended delivery of some sessions, which increased the reach and accessibility of the event.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Samuel Maina – Senior Applied Scientist, Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI) noted that everyone wants a long, happy and healthy life, and scientists are doing their best to make this possible. This also applies to the other societal challenges such as food security, sustainable agriculture, forestry, maritime and inland water. With the world population set to reach 9 billion by 2050, scientists are trying their best to find ways to radically change our approach to production, consumption, processing, storage, recycling and waste disposal while minimising the environmental impact.
“Expertise in technology for emerging markets research can help address some of the societal challenges such as health and wellbeing, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
The demand for data science skills has driven the establishment of data science courses available through a variety of instructional channels, from certificate programs such as the one @iLabAfrica, with multiple disciplinary homes, including iSchools and computer science and statistics departments,” said Dr. Maina.
He further stated that data intensive emerging technologies manifest in learning and research in several ways, offering routes to impact student success and transform the research process.
The Strathmore Data Week, an annual grassroots training initiative provides an avenue for Data Science training, exposure, and mentorship to students, researchers and professionals who are interested in developing practical skills in areas such as education, health, agriculture and climate.
This year’s theme ‘Cultivating Data Science Research in Africa’ is set to play a key role in addressing many of the continent’s challenges.
Also at the event, Ms. Muthoni Wanyoike – Co-founder of Nairobi Women Learning & Data science highlighted that sometimes it might seem like technology only causes problems or complicates things. People yearn for a simpler life; without cell phones beeping, traffic jams, and dangerous weapons. But the truth is, science and technology have solved a lot of society’s problems and will continue to do so in the future.
“We are living at interesting times where we should think about the problems we are faced with and how we can use technology to solve these problems,” said Ms. Wanyoike.
Attracting Data Science professionals, academic practitioners, students and members from the community, the second edition of Data Science Week was bigger and better. The edition explored innovative ways of analysing data and how it is communicated to a wide audience, including those with little experience with data.
In addressing the continent’s challenges, Mr. Christian Kilonzo, Analyst – Development Initiatives said, “DI advocates for creation of functional data ecosystems and a culture of data use by making official data open and encouraging the uptake and use of data by decision-makers at national and subnational level.”
The Strathmore Data Week was also used as a platform to launch a Women in Data Science forum which will be used to increase and sustain the participation of women in data science training initiatives such as providing scholarships for female post-doctorate students researchers to participate in the data week.
Ms. Lilian Onyango, Manager, Data & Analytics – KPMG East Africa said, “When we are gathering data for the purpose of research, we need to get consent from the people in the sense that there should be transparency on who is getting that data and what platform we are going to use to share the data.”
This fellowship will go a long way towards strengthening collaborative ties between Strathmore and the University of Bristol’s – Jean Golding Institute. Further, it aims to provide additional links between Strathmore and the Jean Golding Institute’s existing research network in the rural development and agriculture domain, thus expanding Strathmore’s international research network.
This includes collaborators at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in the Data Week program through exposure to their Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey dataset and pipeline development model.
Strathmore partners with University of Bristol to improve African rural data science skills
Strathmore University, through its Research and Innovation Centre @ilabAfrica last week entered into an agreement with University of Bristol-Jean Golding Institute in UK in a collaboration aimed at Capacity building in Data Science skills to develop rural digital solutions in Africa.
The partnership will see the two institutions working together towards the development of digital programs backed by data science aimed at solving major challenges facing rural populations in Africa especially in the areas of agriculture and health.
Under the project, smart farming agricultural approaches on battling pests and diseases, access to information, climatic conditions will be developed with a key focus on farming in Kenya which is majorly done in rural locations and has a huge potential towards creating employment opportunities while also meeting domestic nutritional requirements for the local population.
According to the Journal of Natural Sciences Research study on Tomato Diseases Occurrence (2020) in Kenya, 91% of farmers observed fungal wilting infection on their tomatoes with 58% of sampled respondents recording yield losses of 1-10%. From the study, the most injurious diseases to farmer profits were early blight and late blight at 53.8%.
The biggest challenge facing farmers has been the lack of information on pests and diseases coupled with poor extension services with a majority of farmers using wrong pesticides and chemicals in battling the pests.
According Joseph Gitonga, data scientist at @iLabAfrica the threat of pests, diseases and climate change variations can have a significant impact on crops such as maize, tomatoes, bananas and Coffee resulting in major impacts on household livelihoods, national economies and global food security, and correct identification of a disease or pest when it appears can be crucial towards efficient disease management.
“Considering surrounding factors in rural areas such as increased internet penetration, mobile phones spread and access to low cost computing power, these can lead to a situation where disease diagnosis based on an automated image recognition system can be made at an unprecedented scale” said Mr. Gitonga.
Dr. John Olukuru, Head of Data Science at Strathmore University says that Data Science holds the key to the future of the African continent.
“Data Science is a new area that many young people can exploit to develop their careers, many challenges facing Africa can be resolved through data and above all looking at our private sector, they don’t have proper skills to make data driven decisions, so data science holds the key to the better future of the continent” said Dr. Olukuru.
The creation of smart farming systems for rural populations in Africa using data science skills will be key towards improved yields, creation of more employment/income generating opportunities and food security while growing the African economies.
Israeli Centre to work with Strathmore on Agriculture, Finance innovations
The Milken Innovation Center in Israel has entered into an agreement with Strathmore University’s Research and Innovation Centre, @iLabAfrica to develop, monitor, review and implement a Kenyan Development Lab that will offer training, student fellowships and jointly secure fundable projects that address existing gaps in agriculture and finance sectors.
Milken center is based at the Jerusalem Institute and focuses on developing market-based solutions to Israel’s greatest challenges as it transitions from a startup nation to a global nation. It seeks to accelerate economic growth, build human capital while addressing global challenges in water, food, education, health, and energy with solutions that others can replicate.
The partnership between the two Innovation Centers is expected to benefit students & scholars from both institutions through capacity building and knowledge exchange. Students from Strathmore University will be enrolled into Milken Innovation Center’s 3-credit graduate course on Financial Innovations for Economic Development taught at the Hebrew University’s School of Business, the course will nurture the learners with relevant knowledge and prepare them for development projects in the country. The students will also have an opportunity to enroll for the Global Development Practice Fellowship Program which will impart them with relevant skills to steer development activities beyond their home countries.
Speaking during the event, the Director and Senior Fellow/Founder at Milken Innovation Center- Professor Glenn Yego said that the center remains committed to working with leading institutions across the world for mutual benefits in addressing societal problems.
“I am delighted to sign a partnership agreement between Milken Innovation Center and @iLabAfrica Research Centre, partnerships between research centers are fundamental, and that is why our institution strives to work in cooperation with leading organizations around the world. We look forward to a productive relationship with the @iLabAfrica Research Centre, and with the Strathmore University Network,” said Prof. Glenn.
Milken Innovation Center will further support Strathmore University in the Co-designing and implementation of project development labs in Kenya on pressing issues such as agricultural innovations, water solutions among other challenges as identified by local country stakeholders.
@iLabAfrica Director Dr. Joseph Sevilla said that the agreement was good for staff and students at both institutions and that it was instrumental in promoting research and innovation.
“It is important to identify that the agreement we are signing today is built on the confidence springing from the efforts of colleagues at both our centers. These early steps have focused on the development of interdisciplinary research, student commitment and association with Industry” said Dr. Sevilla.
The deal is aimed at accelerating economic growth, growing skills and cementing Israel’s role as a pioneer in addressing global challenges in water, food, education, health, and energy with solutions that other countries can adopt and implement.
This new agreement builds on @iLabAfrica’s decade-old commitment to Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) of ecosystems towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with the deal set to stimulate growth in the areas of agriculture and finance.
About Jerusalem Institute Milken Innovation Center
The Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, Milken Innovation Center focuses on developing market-based solutions to Israel’s greatest challenges as it transitions from a startup nation to a global nation. Our work leads to innovative policies and programs and financial technology transfer that democratize capital, finance ideas, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth.
The Blum Lab for Developing Economies is part of the global network of Blum Centers for Developing Economies based at the University of California (UC-Berkeley) enabling interdisciplinary problem-solving in key areas of energy, health, technology, food, water, health, and other challenges to sustainable development.
Food Africa Accelerator Demo Day
You are cordially invited to The Food Africa Accelerator Virtual Demo Day on 27th November 2020 from 3.00p.m EAT to 4.30p.m EAT. This event marks an important milestone in the acceleration process towards the acquisition of investment for the enterprises that participated in the first cohort of the programme.
During this highly interactive event, businesses from the program will exhibit and pitch before an investor panel to gauge their investor readiness as they kick off potential investment conversations with program investors. This being an important milestone for the businesses and program, it will also provide an opportunity for key players in the agriculture industry including company founders, venture capitalists, investors and industry partners, to network and engage.The demo day will be hosted by Make-IT in Africa – GIZ, @iBizAfrica and Pangea Accelerator.
Kindly RSVP by responding to rkilonzo@strathmore.edu, by Friday, 20th November 2020. We will follow your confirmation with a Google Calendar invite.
Event Details:
Click Zoom Invite to register.
WOMEN IN TECH 2020 INTAKE OPEN
The Search for Women led businesses is back! @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University in Partnership with Standard Chartered Bank Kenya is excited to Launch the Fourth Cohort of the Women in Tech 2020 program. The call for applicants is now open for women led small and medium businesses leveraging on technology and new business models to drive change and grow communities.
Globally, studies show that sub-Saharan Africa boasts the world’s highest rates of women entrepreneurs, at 27%. But female-led tech startups still have some of the lowest numbers across the continent, despite technology firms led by women experiencing a 35% higher return on investment.
The program theme for this year, “Accelerating the Digital Economy through Women Owned Businesses” reinforces the importance of scaling the gains of female focused entrepreneurial programs and expanding their mandate in bridging financing and industry gaps for early stage ventures.
The Top five participants will win Kes 1 million in seed funding. The teams will be taken through a 12week incubation mentorship and training through the Bank’s Employee Volunteering program. Through the incubation, all the entrepreneurs are offered expert training in the areas of idea conceptualization, strategy formulation and marketing which is key in moving the businesses from incubation to sustainable ventures.
Eligibility Criteria
- The business must be based in Kenya i.e. be aligned with the needs of Kenyans and operating in Kenya
- The company must be a tech-enabled and/or leveraging on emerging technologies, including but not limited to; Internet of Things (IoT); Artificial Intelligence; Robotics; Augmented & Virtual Reality; 3D & 4D Printing; Cloud Computing; Big Data; Blockchain; Drone Technology and Biometrics.
- The company must be founded or cofounded by a woman with an equal or majority stake.
- The founder or co founder must be over 18 years old and Kenyan
- Business models must have a clear focus on sustainability and alignment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- 3 months to less than 2 years of operations.
- Seeking support for proof of concept, customer, product and business model development.
- Pre-revenue with early traction (users).
- Post revenue is an added advantage, with the creation of a new business module.
Program Thematic Areas
Companies solving for any of the 17 SDGs with operations within, but not limited to the following sectors are eligible to apply for the programme;
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Financial Services
- Logistics
Programme Benefits
- 12 weeks of an immersive learning experience
- Access to a leading network of coaching experts
- Access to B2B networking opportunities
- Personalized mentorship sessions to address your unique business needs
- Opportunity to join a supportive Women in Tech Alumni Network
- KES 1,000,000 equity-free grant seed funding for the top five finalists
- 9 months ongoing support from Standard Chartered and @iBizAfrica to assist with the go-to market and scale for the top five finalists.
The Women in Technology Incubator program is Africa’s leading women in tech incubator, that supports local tech businesses and calls for more diversity in the Information technology landscape by providing opportunities for women to develop entrepreneurial skills and leadership excellence.
To register Click here
Know more about the program Click >> https://www.womenintech.co.ke/
12 startups selected to participate in the third Village Capital FinTech for Agriculture
Launching at Nairobi
Village Capital recently launched its FinTech for Agriculture: East Africa 2015 accelerator programme at an event in Nairobi, revealing the cohort of 12 startups selected to participate in the programme.
The programme
The three-month accelerator programme aims to unlock innovations that increase access to financial services for smallholder farmers. Village Capital has precommitted US$100,000 in funding to be awarded to two companies in the cohort.
This year the Village Capital flagship accelerator programme returns to East Africa for the third time; with over 125 applications received for the 2015 programme from nine African countries. Village Capital’s investment committee selected the 12 most outstanding startups on the basis of how their ideas have the potential to increase incomes for smallholder farmers by improving their access to financial services.
The 12 startup firms selected to join the three month programme are:
Atikus Insurance: Expands access to credit by increasing the capacity of MSME lenders via reimagined insurance and technology risk solutions.
Chamasoft: Web and mobile app to automate record keeping for investment groups.
Ensibuuko: Builds ICT solutions to enable enterprises deliver financial services efficiently and to scale rapidly, reaching underserved communities.
FarmDrive: Transforming how smallholder farmers access financial services.
Farmerline: Provides accurate and timely agricultural information to farmers and also provides technology to stakeholders to work better.
MShamba: Interactive platform for smallholder farmers and traders.
Mobipay: Technology solutions to various economic sectors to drive commerce and trade.
NanoCredit Technologies: Lending and derisking engines, providing structured digital finance for small farms.
Rangerland Solutions: Online livestock marketing platform that directly connects buyers and sellers, reducing marketing costs.
Redcore Interactive: remit.ug is a platform for online international money transfers to mobile money in Africa.
Smart Money: Freeofcharge branchless mobile banking to unbanked rural communities in Uganda and Tanzania.
Yield Uganda: Sources high quality, traceable food products for local and export markets.
Activities
The chosen startups will commence the three month programme focusing on business model canvassing, customer hypothesis testing, financial modeling, partnership and customer development, and investor engagement. The cohort will present to potential partners and customers at a pitch day, as well as pitch to investors at an investor demo day.
Selection
Village Capital has precommitted US$100,000 in investment to be shared by two startups in the cohort. The winners of the funding will be chosen by the accelerator participants at the end of the programme in June. Each of the two selected companies will receive US$50,000 in funding.
“Thanks to the pool of talented and innovative startups that applied for a place on our programme from across East Africa, it was a challenging process to select the final 12. We have been truly impressed with the quality of applications received this year,” John Mulqueen, Financial Associate at Village Capital said, speaking at the launch event.
“The Village Capital FinTech for Agriculture programme is great for remit.ug because it provides us and other entrepreneurs with an opportunity to grow, and to help a very critical group of people the financially underserved. We are excited about networking and sharing with other entrepreneurs in the space who are facing the same challenges,” said Stone Atwine, chief executive officer (CEO) and cofounder of Recore International, one of the selected startups.
“Through enabling smallholder farmers to use financial technologies, Africa’s agripotential will surely be unlocked. We at Mobipay are very excited to be involved in the Village Capital programme, which will be a key player in realising Africa’s potential,” said Charles Kiinde, founder of Mobipay.
What is expected of the programme graduates?
Programme graduates are expected to increase their revenue growth by 4.5 times, and distribute goods and/or services to 200,000 customers within the two years following completion of the accelerator. Village Capital estimates the companies forming the cohort will create 200 jobs over the next two years in East Africa, with an estimated 60% of jobs going to individuals living below the poverty line.
Strathmore-Waterloo Agri-business Challenge Incubation Kicks off!
The Strathmore-Strathmore Waterloo Agribusiness Challenge Incubation program will start on Monday 20th April 2015. This is the final stage of the international and first of its kind innovation challenge focusing on agri-business. The challenge is a collaboration between Canada and Kenya where The University of Waterloo in Canada and Strathmore University in Kenya have come together to support youth with innovative business ideas, driven by mobile and and social media technologies to address East Africa’s most pressing challenges in agriculture. The challenges include food and water safety, food traceability, food sustainability and agriculture waste management.
The Agri-business Challenge is expected to drive innovation at the bottom of the pyramid in the region with practical and life-changing solutions for food security and agriculture.
The incubation stage is the final and very crucial stage of the competition where 6 teams that made it through the investor Pitch stage will go through a 8 week incubation program at @iBizAfrica.
The teams include:
- Mkulima
- Agribora
- GreenUp Africa
- Evet
- Kilimo Watch
- ConviFarm
The teams will receive entrepreneurship training and mentorship from top-notch Strathmore faculty and experts on entrepreneurship, to help them gain business skills to turn their ideas into a business . They will also develop working prototypes of their solutions and business plans.
The teams will demo at the end and the winning team will secure a fully-paid trip to Canada to learn more about business and visit Conrad Entrepreneurship and Technology Centre, University of Waterloo.
@iLabAfrica 