 |
Background
With a foundation of computer programming from Moringa School of Programming, Esther Kimani's idea for the device began from watching her parents lose up to 40% of their crops each farming season. She noted that crop diseases pose a major threat to food security, but their rapid identification remains difficult in many parts of Africa due to the lack of the necessary infrastructure. A tool that could accurately and efficiently detect and diagnose pest problems in crops to enable timely intervention was needed. That preceded the conception of the camera-assisted device.
Design & Development
The device has gone through multiple iterations, starting out as a simpler model with a big footprint and a footing dug into the soil. The latest version is sleeker and more portable, comprising an assembly of a three-metre-high metal stand, and a Solar PTZ Camera module. Its 300 meter radius allows it to serve upto 3 acres of farmland. Each detection is relayed in real-time to the farmer via SMS. Esther shares that she has bigger plans for the device's product development. She plans to increase the device's radius by 3 times, serving even more farmers. By working closely with farmers with help from governmental agriculturalists, she is able to gauge farmers' needs and refine her design beyond its current form, combining technical expertise and iterative development with creative design.
 |
| Early iteration of the pest detection device. PHOTO | LinkedIn. |
Esther's invention signals a brighter future for industrial design in the country. While there aren't manufacturing companies that produce these camera equipments locally, her latest achievement shows a budding need for investment in tech manufacturing in the country.
