Ouagadougou: Student Assata Doussou Demb©l© has successfully developed a pioneering mobile application designed to detect peanut crop diseases early, as part of her master’s thesis at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University. The application, named “Crop Doctor,” utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze images for signs of disease, aiming to enhance the production of peanuts, a crucial crop in the region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Demb©l©’s work was well-received by an academic jury, who awarded her an impressive score of 18 out of 20 for her thesis. The project, conducted entirely in English, focused on the theme of improving agricultural decision-making through technological innovation. Demb©l©’s motivation for developing the application stemmed from her firsthand experience in agriculture and her understanding of the challenges farmers face, particularly with climate change and disease impacting crop yields.
Professor Amad© Ou©draogo, the president of the jury, praised the originality of Demb©l©’s work and its potential to significantly boost agricultural production. He emphasized the importance of early detection in managing crop diseases, which can lead to better production outcomes. Ou©draogo called on authorities to promote the use of such technological tools to enhance food security.
The application’s thesis director, Dr. Zakaria Ki©br©, highlighted its efficacy, noting that the app demonstrated a 96% accuracy rate in detecting common peanut diseases like alternaria, rust, rosette, and leaf spot. Ki©br© remarked on the application’s innovative approach, which addresses the limitations of traditional visual disease detection methods that struggle under the pressures of climate change.
Demb©l© plans to further develop her application to cover more crops, thereby expanding its benefits to a broader range of agricultural speculations. The app not only identifies diseases but also provides guidance on managing them, offering a comprehensive solution for farmers. The jury, including Dr. Ki©br©, Dr. Bouba Traor©, and Dr. Abel T. Nana, commended the project for its potential to enhance resilience, productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices.