Ouagadougou: Student Assata Doussou Demb©l© recently defended her master's thesis at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, unveiling a groundbreaking mobile application named "Crop Doctor". This AI-based technology is designed to identify peanut diseases early through image analysis, aiming to enhance peanut production.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Demb©l©'s work received high praise from the jury, earning her an impressive score of 18/20. She highlighted her agricultural background as a motivating factor, understanding the benefits such an application could bring to farmers facing challenges from climate change and crop diseases.
The thesis, focusing on the theme "Development of an application to detect plant diseases to improve decision-making in agriculture," underscores the significance of peanut production in providing income to farmers. Demb©l© envisions expanding her application to cover other crops, addressing the broader spectrum of agricultural challenges.
Professor Amad© Ou©draogo, president of the jury, praised the originality of Demb©l©'s work, emphasizing its potential to boost agricultural productivity, particularly for peanuts. He called for authorities to make such technological tools widely accessible, as they could play a crucial role in advancing food security.
Dr. Zakaria Ki©br©, the thesis director, noted the application's impressive 96% accuracy in detecting common peanut diseases, making it a vital tool for both specialists and farmers. He pointed out the difficulties faced by producers using traditional visual methods for disease detection, especially in the context of climate change.
The application not only identifies diseases but also offers advisory support for disease management, explained Dr. Ki©br©, highlighting its potential to enhance farmers' resilience and promote sustainable agriculture.
The jury, comprising Professor Ou©draogo, Dr. Ki©br©, Dr. Bouba Traor©, and Dr. Abel T. Nana, found the work highly satisfactory, awarding Demb©l© a score of 18/20 for her innovative contribution to agriculture.