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News & Events

Applications Open – PATH Project Academic Mobility Program

We are pleased to announce that the PATH Project is launching its second application for intra-Africa mobility program focusing on capacity building in Precision Agriculture and climate-smart agri-food systems. Are you a student, academic staff member, or trainee (BSc, MSc or PhD student) in the field of agriculture or ICT? This is a unique opportunity to:✅ Conduct meaningful research✅ Strengthen institutional teaching capacity✅ Build entrepreneurship in smart agriculture 📌 Available Positions :16 MSc credit-seeking students6 academic staff6 trainees (BSc, MSc or PhD student) 📄 Read the full call here : https://lnkd.in/eDEUB3sw 📝 Fill the scholarship application form : https://lnkd.in/epzp6Btq 📤 Submit your complete application to : mobilitypathb@gmail.com and copy to : Dr. Kwadwo Dompreh – kwadwo.dompreh@ucc.edu.gh and Prof. Kwame Agyei Frimpong – kfrimpong@ucc.edu.gh For more information about PATH project: https://lnkd.in/eHqRQYbw🗓️ Deadline : July 12th, 2025

News & Events

Empowering Students in Precision Agriculture and Remote Sensing !

As part of our commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in agriculture, a training session was organized on the use of Crop Monitoring platforms and Google Earth Engine for Precision Agriculture. The training brought together mobility students (MSc and PhD) as well as MSc students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA). It introduced them to the genesis of Precision Agriculture, highlighting its historical development and the major technological advances that have shaped modern farming practices. Participants explored various digital tools and platforms available to support precision agriculture, learning how these solutions can enhance decision-making and resource management in the agricultural sector. A key part of the session focused on the practical use of Google Earth Engine. Participants accessed Sentinel-2 satellite images to monitor field conditions, gaining pratical experience in retrieving and analyzing remote sensing data for agricultural purposes. In addition, they learned how to process this imagery in R, calculate vegetation indices such as NDVI, NDRE, and NDWI, and generate heatmaps that visualize variations in crop health across fields. Through this experience, the participants strengthened their theoretical knowledge and developed practical skills essential for implementing data-driven approaches in modern agriculture. By empowering the next generation of agricultural experts with digital tools and methods, we are paving the way toward smarter, more sustainable farming practices. Contente for the website/ Trainin on Drone « The Use of Drones in Agriculture » From March 2nd to 3rd, 2025, students from the Intra-Africa project took part in an engaging and hands-on training session exploring how drone technology is transforming modern agriculture. Over the course of two dynamic days, participants delved into the potential of drones to : The training struck a perfect balance between theory and practice. Learners were introduced to mission planning, drone piloting, image capturing, and data analysis, all tailored to promote smarter, tech-driven farming methods. This initiative stands as a powerful step toward innovation and sustainable agriculture—empowering future agricultural leaders with cutting-edge tools and knowledge.

News & Events

Call for scholarship application for credit-seeking MSc in the framework of the Intra AfricaPATH project

For MSc applicants from the University of Cape Coast (Ghana) only!!!! The Genetics, Biotechnology, and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) is once again invitingapplications for mobility grants under the PATH project (Training young African studentsand researchers in precision agriculture through inter-regional academic mobility for animproved, climate-smart agricultural system) to recruit Master’s students for credit-bearingmobility. You are a student at the University of Cape Coast. You have a degree in agronomy or ICT.You are competent in agronomy (agricultural sciences) and wish to learn ICT. You arecompetent in ICT and eager to learn ICT (agricultural sciences). You have a goodcommand of ICT with a desire to learn agricultural sciences. This is your opportunity. Join the MSc cohort of the PATH project by filling in the application form: https://path-intraafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Application-form-PATHMaster-UCC.docx For more details on the opportunity and the required documents, download the call forapplications here: https://path-intraafrica.org/call-for-application_path_master_ghana/ Deadline: October 27th, 2024

News & Events

The PATH project is officially launched!

”This project is a commendable initiative that aligns perfectly with the national education policy in Benin.” With these words from Professor Philippe LALEYE, representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the PATH project (Training young African students and researchers in precision agriculture through inter-regional academic mobility for an improved, climate-smart agricultural system) was officially launched this morning in the Houdégbé amphitheater at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi. The launching ceremony started with welcoming remarks from Professor Enoch Achigan Dako, Head of the Crop Sciences Department at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA), and Professor Bonaventure Ahohuendo, Dean of the FSA. Both expressed their pleasure in participating in this significant event. Professor Nelly Carine Kelome, Vice-Rector in charge of Interuniversity Cooperation, Partnerships, and Professional Insertion (VRCIPIP) at the University of Abomey-Calavi, endorsed the Dean of the FSA’s remarks by highlighting the timeliness of the PATH project in strengthening the training system at the university. “The lack of specialized training in precision agriculture and limited access to advanced technologies hampers our ability to respond effectively to climate challenges. The PATH project will fill these gaps,” she asserted. The European Union (EU), co-financing the project, reaffirmed its support for development through Juan Luis Barbolla Casas, Head of the Governance and Economy team. Following speeches by ministerial, rectoral, and decanal authorities, Dr Nicodème Fassinou Hotegni, Project Coordinator, presented the PATH project. He outlined the project’s objectives and partners and explained the importance of precision agriculture and its benefits for beneficiaries. The event concluded with presentations from Professor Kwame Frimpong and Professor Manyatsi Absalom, local PATH coordinators in Ghana and Eswatini, respectively, who discussed the introduction of precision agriculture in their countries. This launching ceremony marks the official start of the project’s activities and the beginning of a great adventure.

News & Events

Empowering African Scientists, UAC’s role in EU-Funded Precision Agriculture and climate resilience projects

The Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science unit and the Nutrifood laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi were represented in Brussels in the framework of the kick off meeting for projects selected by the European Union under the Intra Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. The Intra Africa Academic Mobility Scheme is a European Union program designed to encourage international learning mobility across the African continent by providing support to consortia of African universities and scholarship opportunities for African trainees, students and staff. The PATH, GENES II and ORPHAN projects which are among the fifteen selected projects out of the 127 submitted projects, focus on sustainable and green agriculture, with the latter two focusing on the development and mitigation of climate-smart crops.  More specifically, PATH aims at increasing the capacities of young African Scientists and entrepreneurs in precision agriculture to build climate-resilient and adaptable agrifood systems will be reinforced. ORPHAN aims at addressing current and future challenges related to climate change and agrifood systems with a focus on promising orphan plant species of Africa. GENES II aims at building scientists’ capacity in genomic and digital technologies, specifically artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate crop improvement for climate change adaptation and mitigation.  The three projects, implemented by the University of Abomey-Calavi in collaboration with a consortium of universities across Africa, aim to build the capacity of more than 190 researchers in order to address common concerns about climate change and food security in Africa.  As Sophie BEERNAERTS, Director of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), pointed out,  »With these projects, we will empower students and address the priority goals of the countries ». Following workshops packed with knowledge and experience sharing, project stakeholders at various levels are now better equipped in terms of project management, promotion and selection, mobility management, capacity building and dissemination, to name a few. ‘’Through these workshops, we learnt more about EU strategy in Africa regarding higher education transformation. As we leave this meeting, we are not just better equipped, but also filled with a shared sense of understanding and purpose to achieve the projects’ objectives and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agrifood landscape in Africa. » Said Dr Vodjo Nicodème Fassinou Hotegni, PATH project coordinator.

News & Events

Apply now!

The Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science unit (GBioS) is launching a call for applications for mobility scholarships under the PATH project (Training young African students and researchers in precision agriculture through inter-regional academic mobility for an improved, climate-smart agricultural system) to support 12 PhDs and 16 Masters students in the 2024-2025 academic year. Are you passionate about precision agriculture? Would you like to acquire cutting-edge skills in precision agriculture and help strengthen resilience and adaptation to climate change through academic mobility?  Join the first cohort of PATH beneficiaries by filling in the application form: https://gbios-uac.org/application-form-intra-africa…/ For more details on mobility and documents to be provided, download the call for applications here: https://gbios-uac.org/call-for-application_intra-africa…/ Deadline: June 20, 2024

Publications

An Introduction to Precision Agriculture: Techniques and Tools

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing the farming industry by incorporating advanced technologies and data-driven techniques to enhance crop management. This innovative approach aims to optimize the use of resources, increase productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. By leveraging tools such as GPS, IoT, remote sensing, and data analytics, farmers can make more informed decisions and achieve better results. This article provides an introduction to precision agriculture, exploring the key techniques and tools that are transforming modern farming. Understanding Precision Agriculture Precision agriculture, also known as smart farming, is a method of farming that uses technology to monitor and manage field variability in crops. This approach allows farmers to tailor their practices to the specific needs of different areas within a field, ensuring that each plant receives the right amount of inputs (water, fertilizers, pesticides) at the right time. By doing so, precision agriculture aims to maximize crop yields, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. Key Techniques in Precision Agriculture Variable Rate Technology (VRT): Variable Rate Technology enables farmers to apply inputs at varying rates across a field based on specific requirements. This technique relies on data collected from various sources, such as soil tests and crop sensors, to determine the optimal amount of inputs needed in different areas. VRT helps in reducing input costs and improving crop health and yield. Site-Specific Crop Management (SSCM): Site-Specific Crop Management involves the detailed assessment of field conditions to implement customized farming practices. By analyzing soil properties, topography, and crop performance, farmers can develop management plans that address the unique characteristics of each section of the field. SSCM enhances efficiency and sustainability in farming operations. Remote Sensing: Remote sensing involves the use of satellites, drones, and aerial imagery to gather information about crop health, soil conditions, and environmental factors. This technique provides real-time data that helps farmers monitor crop progress, detect issues early, and implement targeted interventions. Remote sensing is crucial for precision agriculture as it offers a comprehensive view of field conditions. Essential Tools in Precision Agriculture Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS technology is fundamental to precision agriculture, enabling accurate mapping and navigation of fields. GPS allows for precise planting, fertilizing, and harvesting operations, ensuring that inputs are applied accurately and efficiently. This precision reduces waste and enhances overall productivity. Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to analyze and visualize spatial data related to fields. GIS helps farmers create detailed field maps, track changes over time, and make data-driven decisions about crop management. This tool is essential for understanding field variability and implementing site-specific practices. Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things (IoT) involves interconnected devices and sensors that collect and transmit data in real-time. In precision agriculture, IoT devices monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, providing continuous feedback on field conditions. This real-time monitoring allows for precise irrigation and fertilization, optimizing resource use and improving crop health. Drones: Drones equipped with multispectral cameras and sensors are used for aerial surveys and data collection. Drones provide high-resolution imagery and detailed information on crop health, pest infestations, and soil conditions. This data is invaluable for early detection of issues and targeted interventions, making drones a vital tool in precision agriculture. Data Analytics and Machine Learning: Data analytics and machine learning play a significant role in processing and analyzing the vast amounts of data collected from various sources. These technologies help identify patterns, predict trends, and provide actionable insights for better decision-making. By leveraging big data, farmers can optimize their practices and enhance overall efficiency. Benefits of Precision Agriculture Precision agriculture offers numerous benefits, including increased productivity, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. By optimizing the use of inputs, farmers can achieve higher yields with fewer resources. Precision agriculture also reduces the environmental impact of farming by minimizing the overuse of chemicals and conserving water. Additionally, the data-driven approach helps farmers make informed decisions, improving overall farm management and profitability. Precision agriculture represents a significant advancement in modern farming practices. By integrating advanced technologies and data-driven techniques, this approach enhances crop management, boosts productivity, and promotes sustainability. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, precision agriculture will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for food while preserving natural resources. By embracing these innovative techniques and tools, farmers can achieve a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future in agriculture.

Publications

The benefits of Precision Agriculture for sustainable farming

Precision agriculture is a transformative approach that leverages technology to enhance farming efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. By using advanced tools such as GPS, IoT, remote sensing, and data analytics, farmers can optimize their operations to achieve better yields and reduce environmental impact. This innovative method is paving the way for more sustainable farming practices, ensuring that agricultural systems can meet the growing global food demand while preserving natural resources. Understanding Precision Agriculture Precision agriculture, also known as smart farming, involves the use of precise measurements and data collection tools to tailor farming practices to the specific needs of crops and soil conditions. This approach allows farmers to apply the right amount of inputs (water, fertilizers, pesticides) at the right time and place, ensuring optimal growth and minimizing waste. By doing so, precision agriculture supports sustainable farming by promoting efficient resource use and reducing the ecological footprint of agricultural activities. Key Technologies in Precision Agriculture GPS and GIS Technology: Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are integral to precision agriculture. They enable accurate mapping and navigation, allowing farmers to precisely manage planting, fertilizing, and harvesting operations. This precision reduces resource wastage and enhances overall efficiency. Remote Sensing and Drones: Remote sensing technologies, including satellite imagery and drones equipped with multispectral cameras, provide detailed data on crop health, soil conditions, and pest infestations. This real-time information helps farmers detect issues early and implement targeted interventions, reducing the need for widespread chemical use. IoT and Sensor Networks: The Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor networks offer real-time monitoring of environmental parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. Continuous data streams from these sensors enable precise irrigation and fertilization, ensuring crops receive the exact amount of resources needed for optimal growth, thereby conserving water and reducing fertilizer runoff. Big Data and Analytics: Big data analytics in precision agriculture involves processing large volumes of data from various sources to identify trends and patterns. This analytical capability helps farmers make informed decisions about crop management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability. Benefits of Precision Agriculture for Sustainable Farming Enhanced Productivity: Precision agriculture significantly boosts crop yields by optimizing the use of inputs. By ensuring that each plant receives the appropriate care, farmers can achieve higher productivity with fewer resources. This efficiency is crucial for meeting the food demands of a growing global population. Resource Conservation: By precisely managing water, fertilizers, and pesticides, precision agriculture reduces the overuse of these inputs. This conservation not only lowers production costs but also minimizes the impact on surrounding ecosystems. Efficient resource use is a cornerstone of sustainable farming practices. Environmental Protection: Precision agriculture helps protect the environment by reducing the runoff of chemicals into water bodies and minimizing soil degradation. Targeted application of inputs ensures that only the necessary amounts are used, preventing pollution and promoting healthier ecosystems. Cost Efficiency: By reducing waste and enhancing operational efficiency, precision agriculture lowers overall production costs. Farmers can achieve better results with fewer inputs, increasing profitability while maintaining sustainable practices. This economic viability is essential for the long-term adoption of sustainable farming methods. Improved Decision-Making: Access to real-time data and advanced analytics empowers farmers to make better-informed decisions. This proactive management approach minimizes risks and maximizes returns, ensuring that farming practices are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Challenges and Future Prospects Despite its numerous benefits, precision agriculture faces challenges such as high initial costs and the need for technical expertise. Small-scale farmers may find it difficult to invest in advanced technologies without adequate support. However, as technology becomes more affordable and accessible, the adoption of precision agriculture is expected to grow. Governments and organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential of precision agriculture to enhance food security and sustainability. Investment in research, development, and farmer education will be crucial in overcoming these challenges and promoting the widespread adoption of this innovative approach. Precision agriculture offers significant benefits for sustainable farming by enhancing productivity, conserving resources, protecting the environment, and improving economic viability. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, precision agriculture will play a pivotal role in ensuring that farming practices can meet the demands of a growing population while preserving the planet’s natural resources. By embracing this technology-driven approach, farmers can achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Publications

How Precision Agriculture is Transforming Crop Management

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing crop management by integrating advanced technologies and data-driven practices into traditional farming. This innovative approach enhances efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural sector. By utilizing tools such as GPS, IoT, remote sensing, and data analytics, farmers can make more informed decisions, leading to optimized crop yields and reduced environmental impact. Understanding Precision Agriculture Precision agriculture, also known as smart farming, involves the precise management of crops to improve agricultural outcomes. This method leverages technology to monitor and respond to field variability, ensuring that every plant receives the appropriate care. The goal is to apply the right amount of inputs (water, fertilizers, pesticides) at the right time and place, tailored to the specific needs of crops and soil conditions. Key Technologies in Precision Agriculture GPS and GIS Technology: Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are foundational to precision agriculture. These technologies enable accurate mapping and navigation, allowing for precise planting, fertilizing, and harvesting. Farmers can create detailed field maps, track machinery movements, and manage field operations with high accuracy. Remote Sensing and Drones: Remote sensing technologies, including satellite imagery and drones equipped with multispectral cameras, provide valuable data on crop health, soil conditions, and pest infestations. This real-time information allows farmers to identify and address issues promptly, leading to better crop management and reduced reliance on chemical treatments. IoT and Sensor Networks: The Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor networks play a crucial role in precision agriculture by offering real-time monitoring of environmental parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. These sensors provide continuous data streams, enabling precise irrigation and fertilization, which are essential for maintaining optimal crop conditions. Big Data and Analytics: Big data analytics in precision agriculture involves processing large volumes of data collected from various sources to identify trends and patterns. This analytical capability helps farmers make informed decisions about crop management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation, ultimately improving productivity and profitability. Benefits of Precision Agriculture Enhanced Productivity: Precision agriculture allows for more accurate application of inputs, resulting in higher crop yields. By ensuring that each plant receives the appropriate care, farmers can significantly boost their productivity. Sustainable Farming: By optimizing the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, precision agriculture reduces environmental impact. This sustainable approach helps preserve natural resources and promotes eco-friendly farming practices. Cost Efficiency: Precision agriculture reduces waste and increases operational efficiency, leading to significant cost savings. Farmers can achieve better results with fewer inputs, enhancing their profitability. Improved Decision-Making: Access to real-time data and advanced analytics empowers farmers to make better-informed decisions. This proactive management style minimizes risks and maximizes returns, ensuring long-term success. Challenges and Future Prospects Despite its numerous benefits, precision agriculture faces several challenges. The initial cost of technology and equipment can be prohibitive, especially for small-scale farmers. Additionally, there is a need for technical expertise and ongoing training to effectively utilize these advanced tools. However, the future of precision agriculture is promising. Technological advancements are making these tools more affordable and accessible, paving the way for broader adoption. Governments and organizations are increasingly investing in research and development to support this transformation, recognizing its potential to enhance food security and sustainability. Precision agriculture is transforming crop management by bringing a smarter, more efficient approach to farming. By leveraging the power of technology and data, farmers can achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and sustainability. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, precision agriculture will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farming, ensuring that we can meet the growing demands of a global population while protecting our planet’s resources.

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