Price for engineering innovations was awarded to Esther Kimani from Kenya.
A solar-powered tool using AI and machine learning-enabled cameras to swiftly detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases has won Africa’s largest prize for engineering innovation.
Her tool reduces crop losses for smallholder farmers by up to 30 per cent while increasing yields by as much as 40 per cent.
The Africa Price has supported almost 150 entrepreneurs across 23 African countries, generating over 28,000 jobs and benefitting more than 10 million people through the innovative products and services developed.
Price for Engineering Innovations was awarded to Esther Kimani from Kenya. This price, recognised as Africa’s most esteemed engineering accolade, was presented in Nairobi on June 13, 2024.
Kimani’s pioneering AI-driven pest and disease detection tool for crops secured this price for its groundbreaking impact on the agricultural sector, particularly for smallholder farmers in Kenya.
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Pest and disease detection system triumphs at Africa Price for Engineering Innovations contest
Kimani’s innovation addresses a critical challenge faced by approximately five million smallholder farmers in Kenya, who collectively lose about 33 per cent of their crops annually to pests and diseases.
Her AI tool, designed for early detection of crop pests and diseases, promises to reduce these losses by up to 30 per cent while potentially increasing crop yields by as much as 40 per cent.
The device uses advanced computer vision algorithms and machine learning to identify pests, pathogens, and diseases in real time. When an infestation is detected, the tool sends an alert to the farmer via SMS, suggesting tailored interventions to mitigate the issue.
Additionally, the device notifies government agricultural officers, enabling a coordinated response to pest and disease outbreaks. This feature supports broader agricultural management efforts and ensures that interventions are timely and effective.
Affordability and accessibility
One of the standout features of Kimani’s tool is its affordability. The device, powered by solar energy, is leased to farmers for just $3 per month. This cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, such as hiring drones or agricultural inspectors, makes advanced pest and disease detection accessible to even the smallest of farms.
By offering a scalable solution that does not compromise on efficiency or reliability, Kimani’s innovation looks poised to transform agricultural practices across Kenya and potentially other parts of Africa.
Celebrating a decade of innovation
The Africa Price for Engineering Innovation, established by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014, aims to support innovators in developing sustainable and scalable engineering solutions to local challenges in Africa.
Over the past decade, the Price has fostered a vibrant community of nearly 150 entrepreneurs from 23 countries. Collectively, these innovators have created over 28,000 jobs and improved the lives of over 10 million people through their products and services.
To mark its 10th anniversary, the Royal Academy of Engineering hosted an Africa Price Alumni Reunion. This event brought together 100 past participants for a three-day program that celebrated their achievements and fostered collaboration. The grand finale saw the top four finalists, including Kimani, present their innovations to an audience of 700 people, showcasing the talent and ingenuity available in the continent.
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The Winning innovation and its impact
Kimani’s AI pest detection tool stood out among the finalist for its potential to revolutionise farming practices. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “My parents would lose up to 40 per cent of their crops each farming season, which affected our standard of living. We are empowering smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, to increase their income. We aim to scale to one million farmers in the next five years.”
The price includes a financial award of Kes8.3 million, the largest amount ever given to a winner in honour of the Prize’s 10th anniversary. This funding will support further development and scaling of the device, bringing its benefits to a broader audience.
Recognising other innovations
The three runners-up, each awarded Kes2.5 million, showcased equally impressive innovations. Kevin Maina from Kenya developed Eco Tiles, an environmentally friendly roofing material made from recycled plastic. This innovation addresses plastic pollution and high building costs, offering a stronger and lighter alternative to traditional roofing materials.
Rory Assendey from Cote d’Ivoire introduced La Ruche Health, a digital health platform that connects communities to vital health services through an AI chatbot on WhatsApp and mobile apps. This tool has already facilitated over 150,000 user interactions and processed significant medical billings, demonstrating its scalability and impact.
Martin Tumusiime from Uganda presented Yo-Waste, a mobile application that connects households and businesses to independent waste collection agents. This service addresses the growing waste management crisis in Uganda, providing an efficient and scalable solution.
Additionally, a special “One to Watch” award was given to Dr. Abubakari Zarouk Imoro for his innovation, Myco-Substitutes, which has significantly impacted local communities. This award, voted for by live and online audiences, comes with a 5,000 British Pound price in memory of AMrtin Bruce, a late Ghanaian alumnus of the Africa Prize.
The 2025 Africa Price for Engineering Innovation is now open for entries, inviting scalable engineering solutions that address local challenges from individuals and small teams in sub-Saharan Africa. The deadline for submissions is October 15, 2024. This annual price continues to present a unique opportunity to support Africa’s brightest minds in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development through engineering.