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Former Midlands State University (MSU), Information Systems student Justice Dube has developed a Human-Wildlife Interactive Smart AgriTech System (ScarePro), a machine that detects and deter avian birds from crop fields.
According to MSU, Dube developed the artificial intelligence machine to help farmers reduce and alleviate a percentage of damage caused by birds to yields.
The device is set to be launched this year.
“The artificial Intelligence machine deters birds from wheat, rice, barley, sorghum, and millet fields by emitting high frequency (20kHz) ultrasonic sounds.
Dube developed the machine with the support of his mentor, Dr. Munyaradzi Zhou a Senior Lecturer in the department of Information and Marketing Sciences and the MSU Innovation Hub to come up with the ScarePro machine which uses highly receptive audio sensors to learn the sounds of invading bird species.
In an interview with MSU, Dube said that he developed the machine to prevent yield and financial losses resulting from human-wildlife conflict.
“The human-wildlife conflict is a global phenomenon, but it is most intense when it affects food security,” said Dube.
Research and Innovation Division, Executive Director Professor Laurine Chikoko expressed her enthusiasm and highlighted that the device is set to be introduced to the Zimbabwean and global market this year, 2023.
By eradicating losses in small grain yields, this technology aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 aimed at creating a hunger-free world by 2030.
Courtesy of the immense investment in research and innovation in compliance to the objectives of heritage-based Education 5.0, Midlands State University continues to produce enterprising and innovative students and graduates geared to contribute to the sustainable development of Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.
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