GCRF Agri-tech Catalyst Seeding Award - UWE The primary outcome of this award is the adoption of relevant agricultural and food system innovations by farmers and other stakeholders in target countries in Africa. Benefiting residents in rural communities in Nigeria, Madagascar and Ghana. 

The Seeding Award funded seven research projects to support rural farmers by contributing to improved yields, tackling plant disease, improving food safety, and resilience to climate-change: 

Project 1 - Automating insect farming with IoT for smallholder livestock feed production

The project supports smallholder farmers (predominantly women) to source and manage their own protein source for feeding livestock. Insecto devices were delivered to the University of Calabar and have provided regular data using a neural network object detector to count and sex crickets automatically. The project generated interest both in Nigeria and the UK. 

Project 2 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhanced Smallholder Farm Software Tool 

This project developed a mobile application termed IntelliFarm as a proof of concept (POC) for smallholder farmers in Africa. The application includes a predictive feature for smallholder farmers to predict crop yield given current weather and soil health information. If the produce is estimated to be lower than expected, then the app can be used to source for information on soil improvement.

Project 3 - GCRF Agri-tech Catalyst Seeding Award in Automatic tracking to monitor feeding behaviours of pigs

This project combined previously developed deep-learning pig identification methods with livestock behaviour expertise to demonstrate an automated pig monitoring system for an African pig farm. We captured multiple sessions of pig feeding behaviours of 10 pigs in 2 pens at the LID farm at Vom, Nigeria. A deep learning algorithm was employed and achieved successful results for the farmers. 

Project 4 - Investigating UAV-based imaging for monitoring cassava and yam growth

Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava and yam. Rapid access to accurate phenotypic information will accelerate breeding programs. This study used an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to image cassava and yam growth. The project identified key traits for crop growth to benefit African breeders via exploration of a novel phenotyping tool and also local growers by enabling precision management and more productive and sustainable varieties.

Project 5 - Improving yields for cashew growers in Ghana with smart pollination management

We worked with smallholder farmers in the Kintampo region in Ghana to assess local biodiversity of pollinating insects. The farmers supplied us with over 200 photos of insects. Nature Development Ghana also conducted a short survey for local cashew farmers to assess their understanding of the role of insects in crop production. 

Project 6 - Hyperspectral imaging of cocoa canopies for the early detection of viral disease

The project developed a method to detect a disease of cocoa plants, Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV), to support farmers in Ghana to manage the disease. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) equipment was used to collect canopy data from cocoa plants for detection of CSSV. The standard spectrum for disease monitoring was not effective but we established that longer wavelengths are effective in young leaves. This enables more robust disease detection for local farmers.

Project 7 - Mitigating post-harvest loss in Madagascar through the management of the shelf life of fresh produce using solar powered electrochemically activated (ECA) technologies

Prototype electrochemically activation (ECA) technology units that produce safe water were demonstrated at Mahatsinjo in Madagascar to reduce water-borne illnesses. The long-term impact will be to enable subsistence farmers to transport and sell fresh food produce at local markets, with a reduced risk of spoilage when stored, and an extended shelf-life. 

SDGs: 2, 8, 9 The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) supports cutting-edge research to address challenges faced by developing countries. The fund addresses the UN sustainable development goals. It aims to maximise the impact of research and innovation to improve lives and opportunity in the developing world. The fund addresses the UN sustainable development goals. It aims to maximise the impact of research and innovation to improve lives and opportunity in the developing world.