ATPS Network

May 2026, the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) conducted on-ground assessments of the AI4AFS+ project under the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program across four African locations, evaluating AI tools designed with communities, for impact:

📍 Kisii, Kenya | 11–12 May

Assessing a groundbreaking integrated solution: a solar-powered AI cold room paired with a multilingual digital marketplace and an AI food quality scanner, all aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening food safety through context-aware, multilingual AI.

📍 Machakos, Kenya | 15 May

Field-testing a geospatial AI early-warning system for real-time monitoring of Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta) outbreaks, empowering smallholder farmers with timely, location-specific pest management insights.

📍 Nsukka, Nigeria | 18 May

Evaluating AI4NYP+, a transformative initiative enhancing resilience in Nsukka Yellow Pepper cultivation. Building on earlier pilots, the project now deploys a production-ready AI system for multi-disease detection via real-time image analysis, co-designed with rural women farmers (who constitute the majority of NYP growers) and grounded in GEDI principles (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion).

📍 Ghana | 25 May

In Ghana, we assessed an inclusive AI pest-detection app, featuring Twi voice commands, offline/open-source access, and co-creation with women farmers and persons with disabilities, as a tangible step toward responsible, gender-inclusive AI that transforms African food systems.

Hear the stories behind the science

Tune into the AI4AFS+ podcast series for firsthand insights from researchers, farmers, and innovators:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHhVJzapw0Q2wFHIXbjyrmbOsiYHD2e2E

IDRC / CRDI ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Kumasi Hive

The African Deep Dive Podcast The African Deep Dive Podcast is brought to you by the African Technology Policy Studies Network. This podcast explores how science, technology, and innovati...

On the ground in Kisii, Kenya! We’re officially launching our in-depth evaluation visits for the AI4AFS+ project, and our first stop is Kisii University. 🇰🇪

Supported by , AI4AFS+ champions responsible, gender-equitable, and socially inclusive AI for Africa’s food systems. This week, our team is conducting a rigorous “beyond MEL” site visit to assess Dr Mwau Cynthia Mwau's groundbreaking innovation: a solar-powered AI cold room integrated with a multilingual digital marketplace and an AI food quality scanner.

Built with marginalised communities at its core, this tool tackles post-harvest losses while prioritising accessibility.

The core focus of these visits is to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI tools developed in line with responsible and gender-inclusive AI that impacts African Lives.

Follow along as we share on-the-ground insights, stakeholder feedback, and key takeaways from the Kisii evaluation. 👇

How could AI-powered cold storage & inclusive marketplaces transform food access in your community?


IDRC / CRDI ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology