The researchers showcased this AI-enabled technology, which aids coffee farmers in identifying crop diseases and reporting them to relevant authorities for prompt action.
The technology is available as a smartphone application for Android devices and a web-based application. Using a photo of diseased coffee leaves, the system can instantly identify the disease and pinpoint the affected area.
This innovation empowers farmers to report crop health issues early, ensuring timely interventions. The data is transmitted to agencies such as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Previously, delays in identifying and addressing issues led to significant losses for farmers.
Dr. Eric Hitimana, a lecturer, researcher, and project lead at the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology, explained that the technology was developed to simplify reporting for farmers.
'We designed this technology to enable farmers to report crop health issues easily using their phones. Although farmers work with agronomists, one agronomist often serves over ten cooperatives, making it difficult to address all reported issues promptly,' he said.
'Now, farmers can take a photo of a coffee leaf, and the technology will identify the disease. The data will be sent to a central system accessible to various stakeholders like sector-level agronomists, district agriculture officers, RAB, and NAEB.'
He urged stakeholders in the coffee industry to extend the technology's reach and support its adoption.
'We ask stakeholders to promote and add value to this technology so that it benefits farmers and agronomists nationwide. As developers, we'll continue collaborating to enhance and upgrade it.'
Dr. Simon Martin Mvuyekure, RAB's coffee research and promotion specialist, praised the research outcomes, stating that the technology will advance coffee farming through innovation.
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to address other aspects of coffee farming.
'This is just the beginning. Coffee diseases affect all parts of the plant, from roots and stems to leaves and berries. This initial focus is promising, and future work will tackle other areas. We highly value technology and AI because they improve efficiency and reduce agricultural costs. This research will help farmers thrive in a tech-driven world where coffee farming must keep pace,' he said.
He added, 'We'll integrate this initiative into national plans. We call for collaboration from all sectors, including the private sector, to ensure its success.'
The technology has been well received by those working closely with coffee farmers, who previously struggled to detect and report diseases, often incurring losses. They expressed hope that similar innovations could extend to other crops.
Josiane Dusenge, a quality controller at KOAKAKA Cooperative in Huye, said, 'This technology will help coffee farmers identify issues early, preventing losses. We also suggest making the app accessible on simpler phones for easier reporting.'
Didier Ndinayo, Manager at RWACOF Rwinyoni in Rutsiro District, added, 'Previously, we struggled to monitor coffee plantations and diagnose diseases due to the vast number of farmers and scattered fields. Now, farmers can share real-time updates from their fields, allowing us to respond with solutions. This is a valuable project that deserves support and promotion.'
The research, conducted in Rulindo, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Rutsiro, and Huye districts, involved 300 coffee farmers from 10 cooperatives, including COCATU, TUMBA COFFEE, NOVACOFFEE, and KOAKAKA.
The findings are accessible through the platform https://rwandasmartcoffee.com/ and are documented in two scientific publications.
1. Publication 1
2. Publication 2
Coffee remains a vital export for Rwanda. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the country exported over 20,000 tons of coffee, generating $115.9 million (about 147 billion Rwandan Francs), a 53.39% increase compared to the previous year's $75.5 million.
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