Farmers in the Ashanti, Central, and Eastern Regions have been introduced to a new Crop Disease Detection (CDD) App aimed at helping them identify and manage crop infections early.
The app, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), is part of ongoing efforts to use technology to improve agricultural practices across the country.
Dr. Andrew Selasi Agbemenu, lead trainer and a member of the AI in Agric Theme responsible for the Crop Disease Detection app, said the app is currently focused on three crops: tomato, maize, and pepper.
Dr. Andrew Selasi Agbemenu, Crop Disease Detection App lead trainer
“We’re introducing the Crop Disease Detection App to farmers so they can detect diseases early and take action. It gives them recommendations on best practices and treatments to manage the diseases,” he said.
Mr. Musah Ibrahim Ali introduced and took farmers through the app and explained that the app uses image recognition to detect up to 23 crop diseases from photos of infected leaves.
Mr. Musah Ibrahim Ali, AI in Agric Member
He revealed that farmers can take pictures directly in the app or upload existing images for diagnosis.
“The app runs detection algorithms and shows the most likely diseases. It then provides causes and both chemical and organic recommendations for treatment,” he noted.
To improve accessibility, the app includes language translations in Asante Twi, Akuapem Twi, Ewe, and Hausa, with audio options for users who may not be able to read.
Testing of the CDD app
“This ensures that more farmers can benefit, regardless of literacy level,” Mr. Musah added.
The team led by the AI in Agric Theme lead, Prof. Eric Tutu Tchao, visited some farms to test and educate farmers on the Crop Disease Detection App.
The AI in Agric Theme visited some farms to demonstrate how the app works
Mr. Jeffery Amoah, an agricultural extension officer, welcomed the introduction, highlighting the challenges posed by the limited number of extension staff.
“There are more farmers than officers, so this app helps fill the gap. Even if an officer isn’t available, a farmer can take a picture and get guidance right away,” he said.
Mr. Seth Oppong, who owns 15 acres of farmland, revealed how the app will help him.
“If the app is fully rolled out, it will help identify and treat diseases on my farm and increase yield.
The CDD app is going to help me identify the kind of disease on my farm, and that will inform me to treat it with the required chemical, and I believe it will increase yield,” he revealed.
