Kaduna: Shamsudeen Jibril from Kaduna State, Nigeria, has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can detect agricultural diseases and spray pesticides. Jibril, a 25-year-old aerospace engineering graduate, aims to increase agricultural productivity and support farmers in their fight against disease with the UAV he developed. The UAV scans agricultural fields from the air to detect disease symptoms, transfers the data to a smartphone, and provides farmers with treatment and preventive recommendations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Jibril's interest in technology and aviation began in childhood. He joined his school's robotics club during high school, attempting to recreate airplane designs he saw on television using cardboard and waste materials. Inspired by his father, who was a civil servant and a farmer, Jibril decided to combine agriculture with his skills to develop the UAV. His father's struggles with carrying heavy loads and exposure to chemicals while fertilizing and spraying fields motivated Jibril to pursue this project.

Jibril mentioned that many parts of the UAV are locally produced, though critical components like engines and control systems are imported. He highlighted the high cost and time required to procure these parts. Jibril expressed the need for funding and support to increase production and reach more farmers, noting that assistance from the government or private sector would significantly aid his efforts.

Jibril's goal is to assist not only his father but farmers in the region and across Africa with the UAV. He reported positive feedback from farmers during trials conducted on agricultural lands in Kaduna, where they appreciated the quick detection of diseases, time savings in spraying, and reduced health risks. The UAV is remote-controlled and can operate for up to an hour, but financial constraints have prevented the use of computer-based autonomous systems found in more advanced models. Jibril hopes to produce a more advanced and autonomous model in the future.

In a message to young people interested in technology, Jibril encouraged them to embrace technological advancements and not fear making mistakes. Nigeria has been exploring technological solutions to combat food insecurity, and innovative projects by young entrepreneurs like Jibril have the potential to transform the country's agricultural production.