ACCRA, Ghana — AI drones are transforming farming in Ghana, offering a high-tech solution to combat the devastating impact of agricultural pests and plant diseases. A local startup, spearheaded by developer Darlington Akogo, is deploying artificial intelligence to help farmers detect crop stress before it spreads, marking a significant leap forward for the nation’s food production.
Akogo and his team developed the AI-powered monitoring system six years ago after repeatedly hearing reports of farmers losing entire harvests to preventable agricultural threats.
“With our AI system, we can pinpoint from a leaf perspective where the diseases and pests are starting,” Akogo explained. He noted that the technology provides farmers with a crucial one-month head start compared to traditional growers who rely on manual, physical inspections of their fields.
The system operates by capturing thousands of high-resolution images across farmland. These images are then processed by an artificial intelligence algorithm designed to identify the earliest signs of pest infestations, diseases, and crop stress. This precision allows farmers to treat only the specific affected areas, preventing widespread damage and reducing unnecessary chemical use.
Agricultural experts note that innovations like this could revolutionize local farming by enabling growers to make faster, more informed decisions. However, they caution that unless these tools become affordable and widely accessible, many smallholder farmers risk being left behind. Experts also point out that skepticism and a traditional mentality—fearing that new technology might negatively impact crops—could hinder adoption among some rural communities.
The stakes are high. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, up to 40% of global crop production is lost each year to pests and plant diseases.
For another yam farmer those statistics reflect a familiar and painful reality. While he believes that drone and AI technologies could make a substantial difference in protecting his livelihood, he shares a common concern regarding the financial barrier to entry.
“My only concern now is about the cost involved in using the AI technology,” he stated.
To address these accessibility challenges, Akogo says his company is actively training agricultural extension officers across Ghana. This grassroots initiative aims to bring the technology directly to farming communities, with the goal of making precision agriculture accessible beyond large commercial operations.
If successful, advocates say these innovations will help more farmers detect problems earlier, significantly reduce crop losses, and strengthen food production resilience in an ever-changing climate.