Validation of low-cost sensors for optimal insect protein production
THE QUESTION
Can existing low-cost, low-power wireless IoT sensor technology be adapted to reliably measure and transmit data on parameters critical to insect growth?
The Challenge
Insect protein is a growth industry in Africa, particularly in Kenya where 4% of animal feed protein comes from insects. The potential for local manufacturing of feed using insects is being curtailed due to a lack of affordable and durable sensors that can provide farmers with real time data needed to immediately respond to and optimise growth conditions during the fast life cycle of insects. The current monitoring system for insect growth is manual paper-based data collection with difficult data analysis. With over 11,000 small-scale, 200 medium and a few large-scale insect producers in Kenya, there is a significant need for an improvement to their monitoring systems to optimise their productions.
The Idea
This pilot will test the use of IoT sensor technology to provide real-time data to help insect farmers continually monitor insects at all stages of their development in order to optimise production and adapt to changing environmental factors. Wireless IoT sensors will use an infrared sensor to detect the presence of insects and image processing will be used to capture images of the insects. A wireless generator will then be used to measure pH, temperature, humidity, ammonia, CO2 and pesticide residues. If successful, this pilot will allow insect farmers to monitor their production in real time and intervene with precision, increasing their yields.
Read about the findings from the pilot in the report below:
Read more
Read a summary of the pilot’s key activities and outcomes — Pilot Summary
Explore in-depth findings from the pilot and recommendations for further work — Pilot Report
Read the pilot’s challenges and key learnings from Sprint 1 — “Validation of low-cost sensors for optimal insect protein production”
Learn more about the pilot’s second sprint - “The future of insect farming is happening now”
Read about the pilot’s third sprint working with a Black Soldier Fly farm, Zihanga - “A powerful trajectory ahead”