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SmartBerry: Artificial Intelligence to enhance Strawberry Farming in Developing Countries

Dates of project: 2024 - 2026

Project summary:

The SmartBerry project is a collaborative initiative between Nottingham Trent University, Covenant University, and Ashley Farms in Nigeria. The project aims to enhance the productivity and profitability of Ashley Farms, a local Nigerian farmer, through the application of innovative technology and AI algorithms. The key objectives include increasing strawberry yields per hectare, generating more income and jobs for farmers, and improving land-use and farming practices. The project focuses on optimising growing conditions using sensors and algorithms, enhancing irrigation efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming practices. With the use of state-of-the-art AI algorithms, the project is expected to optimise growing conditions, improve strawberry yields, and overcome challenges faced by traditional methods.

Country of project: Nigeria

Methodological approaches used in the research:

The SmartBerry project involves utilising innovative technology and AI algorithms to enhance the productivity and profitability of local Nigerian farmers. The methodology centres on optimising growing conditions through the integration of sensors and algorithms, improving irrigation efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming practices. By addressing challenges encountered in traditional farming methods with data-driven solutions, the project aims to increase strawberry yields per hectare, generate more income and jobs for farmers, and contribute to sustainable growth in the African agriculture sector.

Names of team members and collaborators involved:

Dr Isibor Kennedy Ihianle – Principal - Investigator - School of Science & Technology, NTU

Dr Jordan Bird Co - Investigator - School of Science & Technology, NTU

Dr Pedro Machado – Co - Investigator - School of Science & Technology, NTU

Prof. Ahmad Lotfi – Co- Investigator - School of Science & Technology, NTU

Covenant University, Nigeria

Ashley Farm, Nigeria

Links:

NTU SmartBerry research page