Esther Kimani, a computer programmer from Kenya and 2022 YouthADAPT winner, has received the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
She received the prestigious award on June 13 in Nairobi, Kenya.
YouthADAPT is sponsored by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)
Kimani’s triumphant innovation is a high level early detection system, intended to distinguish crop vermin (pests) and sicknesses easily and quickly, which can reduce crop losse by up to 30% and increment yields by as much as 40%.
The device is an extraordinary answer for smallholder farmers in Kenya, who normally lose around 33% of their crops to pests and diseases.
The cutting-edge computer vision and machine learning algorithms used by the device, which is solar-powered, are easily used to identify crop diseases and pests. It gives consistent cautions promptly after discovery and offers customised intercession advice via SMS.
Additionally, it notifies government agricultural officers to participate in broader strategies for controlling pests and diseases. Leasing the device, which costs just $3 per month, is an affordable alternative to more conventional, pricey methods like manual inspections or surveillance via drones.
Established in 2014 by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation supports scalable and sustainable engineering solutions to African challenges.
After a decade, the Prize alumni now comprise nearly 150 entrepreneurs from 23 countries. These innovators have created over 28,000 jobs and impacted more than 10 million people across the continent.
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In celebration of the Prize’s 10th anniversary, the Royal Academy of Engineering hosted an Alumni Reunion, bringing together 100 past winners and finalists for a special three-day event, underscoring the strength and unity of this community.
On the other hand, Esther Kimani provided some personal background to explain her innovation.
“Growing up, my parents would lose up to 40% of their crops each season, deeply affecting our living standards. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers, particularly women, to increase their income. We aim to reach one million farmers in the next five years.”
Kimani was awarded £50,000 to further develop her innovation, marking the largest prize amount in the history of the Africa Prize in honour of its 10th anniversary. During the event, finalists presented their business pitches to an audience of around 700 people.
The award, which was established in 2024 in honor of Martin Bruce, a Ghanaian alumnus of the Africa Prize, comes with a prize of £5,000, and there were three additional winners who each received £15,000.
