The YEESI Lab is elated to make known the attainment of dual funding secured by members within its training and data teams. These grants, both centred around the application of AI technology, have been generously provided by COSTECH, which is supported by IDRC and NORAD. This achievement is a notable milestone for the YEESI Lab members at Sokoine University of Agriculture, reflecting the members' remarkable dedication to pursuing the lab's mission to provide comprehensive training to young individuals in machine vision.

Under the guidance of Dr. Michael P. J. Mahenge, a dedicated member of the YEESI Lab's training team, the first group has achieved a significant victory by successfully securing a grant for their groundbreaking project titled "Advancement of Artificially Empowered Crop Disease Surveillance Prediction and Management." This accomplished team encompasses individuals of high distinction, including Prof. Camilius A. Sanga, a co-Principal Investigator at the YEESI Lab, and other prominent members hailing from SUA, TPHPA, and RECODA.

Simultaneously, a parallel endeavour led by Dr. Neema N. Lyimo, a respected member of the YEESI Lab's Data Team, has also realized the successful acquisition of a grant for their innovative initiative titled "Digitizing the Fish Farming Value-Chain for Augmented Productivity and Food Security within the Lake Victoria Basin in Tanzania." This team comprises dedicated members from SUA, KAFFC, and TAFIRI.

28th August 2023

Ms Rehema Mwawado and Ms Catherine Mangare, both instructors at YEESI Lab, were selected to participate in "Women in Tech and AI" program held in Morocco from June 2023 to Dec 2023.

"Women in Tech & AI" stands as a collaborative endeavor forged between the OCP Foundation and the AI Movement at Mohamed VI Polytechnic University. This initiative is strategically designed to empower a cohort of 150 African women who harbour a keen interest in technological innovation and artificial intelligence. The overarching goal is to equip these women with the tools and knowledge required to formulate impactful solutions that effectively tackle the diverse array of challenges prevalent across the African landscape. The sectors under consideration encompass health, education, social advancement, agriculture, security, and environmental sustainability. In doing so, this initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering the advancement and metamorphosis of the African continent.

Hailing from varied backgrounds, these proficient women are bound together by their collective ardor for technology and artificial intelligence. Comprising a group of 34 participants hailing from 11 different African nations, they contribute a mosaic of diverse experiences and specialized knowledge to the program.

23rd August 2023

Heifer Tanzania, in collaboration with Sahara Ventures, has selected Mr. Ibrahim Meshack and Mr. Stephano Mashauri, both pursuing Agricultural engineering at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, to participate in the AYuTe Africa Challenge. They are proposing to develop an on-the-go nutrient detection device that integrates a Mobile app with Artificial Intelligence Technology.

This challenge awards cash grants to young agritech innovators using technology to revolutionize farming and food production in Africa. Heifer International invests over $1.5 million annually to promote digital agriculture entrepreneurship in Africa through the AYuTe initiative. In 2022, the AYuTe Africa Challenge has expanded its reach by introducing national competitions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda, providing young innovators with the opportunity to secure funding and visibility to bring their ideas to life.

Many congratulations to Mr Ibrahim and Mr Stephano.

Check previous winners. Read More. 

21st August 2023

Reported by Winfrida Nicolaus SUA MEDIA

Chuo Kikuu cha Sokoine cha Kilimo SUA kupitia Idara ya Uhandisi Kilimo imekuja na Roboti linalojiendesha lenyewe lenye uwezo wa kupiga dawa ya kuuwa magugu au wadudu kwenye sehemu husika pekee kwenye Maonesho ya Wakulima, Wafugaji na Wavuvi Kanda ya Mashariki yanayoendelea katika Viwanja wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere mjini Morogoro.

Hayo yamebainishwa na  Donat Shukuru Mkufunzi Msaidizi toka Shule ya Uhandisi na Teknolojia, Idara ya Uhandisi Kilimo SUA wakati akizungumza na SUAMEDIA kwenye Maonesho hayo kuhusiana Vumbuzi mbalimbali wanazozifanya ikiwemo Mashine za Teknolojia za kisasa au Mashine zinazotumia Akili bandia pamoja na Mifumo mbalimbali itakayoleta Tija kwenye Kilimo.

Amesema lengo la kuleta Teknolojia hiyo ya Roboti ni kuhakikisha Kilimo kinafanyika kwa usahihi kwa kuwa inaenda kuokoa gharama za Uzalishaji kwa kupunguza matumizi ya dawa vile vile kusaidia kuondoa matumizi ya dawa yasiyohitajika kwenye Mazingira kwa kuwa kuweka dawa kwenye Mazingira bila kujua ni kiasi gani kinachohitajika ni kuchafua Mazingira.

Vile vile kwa kuwa Roboti hilo linajiendesha lenyewe linakuwa linamuweka mbali  mtumiaji wa dawa na kumuepusha kuathirika na dawa hizo hivyo inaonesha ni jinsi gani Teknolojia hiyo ilivyo ya muhimu na kuleta Tija kwenye Kilimo. 

“Tunahusika pia na Vumbuzi mbalimbali kama Mashine za kutotoreshea Vifaranga, Mashine za kuangulia mayai kama ni mazima, Mashine za automatic za Umwagiliaji (Automatic irrigation system) vile vile tunahusika na Mifumo mbalimbali ya simu kama vile Mifumo ya kushauri kiasi cha maji cha Umwagiliaji na Mifumo ya kuangalia Magonjwa kwenye Mimea”, amesema Mkufunzi huyo. 

07 August 2023

Today, 18th July 2023, the Vice Chancellor of @SokoineU, @RChibunda visited our booth at the 8th Higher Education, Science, and Technology Exhibitions. We were able to showcase our innovations and fly a PA Drone for him. Precision Agriculture (PA) works at @SokoineU. www.epalab.org 

He has promised support from the university whenever needed so that the lab can continue innovating solutions that are important for farmers.

18th July 2023

On 10th July 2023, our colleague, Farian Severine Ishengoma, successfully defended his PhD thesis titled "Integrated Drone Technologies and Machine Learning Techniques for Early Detection of Fall Armyworm in Maize Fields: A Case Study of East Africa" at the African Center of Excellence in Internet of Things - ACEIoT, situated at the University of Rwanda, Rwanda.

Dr. Farian has made significant contributions to the field, having published his research in esteemed and prestigious journals, namely Ecological Informatics and Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Additionally, he has presented his work at prominent international conferences, such as the 12th Computer Science On-line Conference 2023 and Computational Methods in Systems and Software 2022. The fact that prominent researchers cite his work demonstrates his research findings' novelty, acceptability, maturity, and elegance (NAME).

Moving forward, Dr. Farian plans to focus on publishing more peer-reviewed manuscripts based on data from the YEESI lab, which can be accessed at this link: https://www.zenodo.org/record/7729285.

We invite the YEESI LAB, ACEIoT, and SUA communities, as well as the wider academic community, to join us in congratulating Dr. Farian Severine Ishengoma for this remarkable achievement.

For further information, you can explore his publications through the following links:

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1574954121002934

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168169921001423

• https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-35314-7_10

• https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-21438-7_8

10th July, 2023

On Saturday, July 8, 2023,  YEESI LAB held a training workshop at the Solomon Malangu campus on how to build startup companies and the key features that enable their survival. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Albany James, a Product Development Director for Anzisha Ventures and a highly accomplished serial entrepreneur. After the training workshop, students from both Edward Moringe and Solomon Malangu campuses had different insights to share: 

a) Thuwaiba Abdul-razak: I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the training workshop organized by YEESI on Saturday. The session proved to be an invaluable source of knowledge, enlightening me on the contrasting impacts of excessive capital and the absence thereof. It was through this experience that I acquired a profound understanding of the inherent challenges posed by an abundance of capital, as well as the unique obstacles faced when one lacks sufficient capital. 

b) Jackline Ulenje: I, Jackline Ulenje, a dedicated third-year student pursuing a degree in Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering, am delighted to express my profound appreciation for the Saturday workshop that I had the privilege of attending. The workshop proved to be an invaluable opportunity, allowing me to enhance my understanding of the intricate process of selecting an ideal business partner and effectively harnessing individual talents when establishing a company. I am elated to convey that the workshop provided me with valuable insights and knowledge in making informed decisions regarding partnership selection. One crucial lesson I gleaned from the session was the recognition that while friendship is undoubtedly important, it should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a suitable company partner. This newfound understanding has significantly broadened my perspective and equipped me with a more nuanced approach to forming successful and sustainable business alliances. As an aspiring professional in the field of Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering, this workshop has played an instrumental role in shaping my future endeavours. The invaluable guidance received on effectively leveraging individual talents within a partnership will undoubtedly contribute to my ability to establish and nurture successful business ventures. I extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers of the workshop for their meticulous planning and execution, which provided me with a remarkable learning experience. The knowledge and skills acquired during the session will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for my academic and professional growth.

c) Ibrahim Meshack: I extend my heartfelt congratulations to your esteemed lab for orchestrating an exceptional training session this past Saturday. As Ibrahim Meshack, a dedicated second-year student pursuing a degree in Agriculture Engineering, I am delighted to express my gratitude for the invaluable knowledge I gained regarding securing initial capital for a startup. The workshop underscored the significance of effectively pitching our ideas in pitching competitions. The training session provided me with invaluable insights and practical guidance on the crucial aspect of securing the first capital required to initiate a startup venture. I now possess a deeper understanding of the strategies and approaches necessary to attract potential investors and secure the financial backing essential for transforming entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. The emphasis placed on pitching competitions as a valuable avenue for showcasing innovative ideas has inspired me to hone my communication and presentation skills, empowering me to effectively convey the value proposition of my future endeavors.

d) Gervas: The lack of guidance regarding the initial steps and necessary actions to build a startup company can be likened to a blind person unknowingly moving towards a pit. My name is Gervas, and I am currently a third-year student pursuing a degree in Agriculture Engineering. During my educational journey, I have gained valuable insights into the essential aspects of registering a company. It has become evident that when embarking on the process of registering a company, three primary institutions should be prioritized: BRELA, TRA, and a bank. These entities hold critical roles in ensuring a smooth and compliant registration process for a new business venture. Understanding the significance of engaging with BRELA, TRA, and a bank has equipped me with valuable knowledge that will guide me in laying a solid foundation for my future entrepreneurial pursuits.

e) Stephano Mashauri: It has come to my attention that "Sheli" is not a Swahili term for a filling station. I am Stephano Mashauri, a dedicated second-year student of Agriculture. Through the enlightening Saturday workshop I recently attended, I acquired valuable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, including the art of creating compelling company names like "Sheli," effective investor management strategies, and diverse sources of income for startup ventures. During the workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of crafting impactful company names that resonate with target audiences. The session provided me with valuable techniques and principles to consider when developing compelling and memorable brand identities, such as "Sheli." This knowledge will undoubtedly prove invaluable as I embark on my own entrepreneurial journey. Furthermore, the workshop shed light on the critical role of investor management in the success of startup companies. I gained valuable insights into the effective communication strategies and relationship-building techniques necessary for attracting and retaining investors. Understanding how to nurture these vital relationships will play a pivotal role in securing the necessary financial support for future ventures. Additionally, the workshop highlighted the importance of diversifying income sources for startup enterprises. I learned about various avenues through which startups can generate revenue, thereby reducing dependence on a single income stream. This knowledge will enable me to explore innovative and sustainable ways to ensure the financial stability and growth of my future ventures.

f) Pascal Kamsini: My name is Pascal Kamsini, and I am currently a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Bioprocessing Engineering. I am pleased to share that the recent Saturday workshop has provided me with valuable insight: every problem encountered presents an opportunity, albeit with the crucial distinction that the problem should be approached from a communal perspective rather than a personal one. Through the workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of the transformative power that lies within challenges. I learned to recognize that each problem is not only a hurdle to overcome but also an opening for growth and development. However, it was emphasized that for these opportunities to be fully realized, the focus should be on communal challenges—issues that affect a larger group or community—rather than solely personal ones. This perspective shift has significantly influenced my understanding of problem-solving and innovation. I now recognize the importance of considering the broader context and impact of the challenges we face. By addressing communal problems, we have the potential to make a more significant and lasting difference, creating positive change that extends beyond our individual circumstances.

g) Adam Jamal: I am Adam Jamal, currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering. The Saturday workshop I attended proved to be an enlightening experience, as it provided valuable insights into three distinct pathways for building startup companies through investor involvement: pitching, competitions, and incubation. During the workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of the pivotal role investors play in the growth and success of startups. The session emphasized three effective approaches to attracting investor support and securing the necessary resources for entrepreneurial ventures. The first approach highlighted the significance of pitching, which involves presenting a compelling business proposal to potential investors. I learned about the key elements of an effective pitch, including clear communication of the value proposition, market potential, and financial projections. This knowledge will undoubtedly be invaluable as I seek to secure investor backing for future startup endeavours. The second avenue explored in the workshop was participation in competitions. These events provide entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and gain exposure to potential investors. I gained insights into the strategies and techniques necessary to craft a winning competition entry, including capturing the attention of judges, clearly articulating the problem-solving aspect of the business, and demonstrating market viability. Lastly, the workshop discussed the concept of incubation, which involves partnering with established programs or organizations that provide support, mentorship, and resources to startups. This approach allows entrepreneurs to benefit from expert guidance, networking opportunities, and access to investors within the incubation ecosystem. I learned about the advantages of incubation and the criteria to consider when selecting the right program for a specific startup.

h) Nsonga Barnabas: The workshop I attended provided me with valuable knowledge regarding two essential aspects of business sustainability: understanding the concept of burning cost per month and recognizing the significance of intermediate capital. Firstly, I learned about the concept of burning cost per month, which refers to the amount of capital a business requires to cover its operating expenses on a monthly basis. This crucial metric allows entrepreneurs to accurately assess their financial needs and plan accordingly. By understanding their burning cost per month, businesses can make informed decisions regarding budgeting, investment, and cash flow management, ensuring their operations remain sustainable. Secondly, the workshop shed light on the importance of having intermediate capital. This refers to the availability of funds or resources that can sustain a business during periods of unexpected challenges, fluctuations in revenue, or unforeseen expenses. Intermediate capital serves as a financial buffer, providing stability and allowing businesses to weather temporary setbacks without compromising their operations or long-term viability. Understanding the significance of intermediate capital enables entrepreneurs to proactively plan and secure resources to mitigate potential risks and ensure business continuity. It emphasizes the importance of strategic financial management and highlights the need to build resilience and adaptability into the core of a startup or business venture. 

i) Shimbi: As a diligent student pursuing a degree in Agriculture Engineering, I am delighted to express my profound appreciation for the Saturday workshop organized by YEESI LAB. This enlightening session proved to be immensely beneficial, particularly in the realm of problem-solving. The workshop emphasized a crucial principle: rather than investing excessive efforts in creating new solutions, we should prioritize technology transfer by leveraging existing ones already in production. The workshop's emphasis on this approach to problem-solving resonated deeply with me. It underscored the importance of efficiency and resource optimization in addressing challenges within the field of agriculture engineering. By leveraging existing technologies and solutions that have already been developed and proven effective, we can save time, effort, and resources while still achieving desired outcomes. The workshop has broadened my perspective and provided me with valuable insights into the principles of technology transfer and its significance in problem-solving. This newfound understanding will undoubtedly influence my future endeavours within the agricultural engineering domain, guiding me towards more efficient and sustainable approaches to addressing challenges.

08 July 2023