Using Satellite Imagery to Detect and Assess the Damage of Armyworms in Farming

November 9, 2023

Introduction

Armyworms are a major pest for farmers, causing significant damage to crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet. Traditional methods of detecting and assessing armyworm damage are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Satellite imagery offers a promising new approach to detecting and assessing armyworm damage in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

Problem

Armyworms can cause significant crop losses, reducing yields and increasing costs for farmers. Traditional methods of detecting and assessing armyworm damage are time-consuming and labor-intensive. This can make it difficult for farmers to respond quickly and effectively to armyworm outbreaks.

Proposed Solution

Omdena’s Armyworm Detection and Assessment project developed a machine learning model to detect and assess armyworm damage in satellite imagery. The model is trained on a dataset of labeled satellite images, which are annotated by human experts. The model is able to identify the spectral characteristics of armyworm-damaged crops, and to distinguish armyworm damage from other types of crop damage, such as drought or disease.

The Armyworm Detection and Assessment model is integrated into a software platform that allows farmers to easily upload their satellite imagery and receive a map of their fields showing the location and severity of armyworm damage. The software platform also provides farmers with recommendations on how to control armyworms.

Implementation

The Armyworm Detection and Assessment project was implemented in the following phases:

Data collection and preparation: The project team collected and prepared a dataset of labeled satellite images. The images were annotated by human experts to identify the location and severity of armyworm damage.
Model development: The project team developed a machine learning model to detect and assess armyworm damage in satellite imagery. The model was trained on the dataset of labeled satellite images.
Software development: The project team developed a software platform that allows farmers to easily upload their satellite imagery and receive a map of their fields showing the location and severity of armyworm damage. The software platform also provides farmers with recommendations on how to control armyworms.
Deployment and testing: The project team deployed the software platform to a beta group of farmers and tested the performance of the system.
Commercialization: The project team is currently commercializing the software platform and making it available to farmers worldwide.

Results

The Armyworm Detection and Assessment system has been shown to be effective in detecting and assessing armyworm damage in satellite imagery. The system has achieved an accuracy of over 90% in identifying armyworm damage.

The Armyworm Detection and Assessment system has also been shown to be beneficial for farmers. Farmers using the system have reported reductions in crop losses and insecticide use.

Conclusion

Omdena’s Armyworm Detection and Assessment system is a promising new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way that farmers control armyworms. The system is accurate, easy to use, and can be integrated with existing farming practices.

How this case study is relevant to other organizations

The Armyworm Detection and Assessment system is relevant to any organization that is interested in using AI to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture. For example, the system could be used by:

Government agencies to help farmers reduce their crop losses and improve their food security.
Agricultural research institutions to develop new methods for controlling armyworms.
Crop insurance companies to assess the risk of armyworm damage and to set premiums accordingly.
Food companies to ensure that their supply chains are resilient to armyworm outbreaks.

Overall, Omdena’s Armyworm Detection and Assessment system is a promising new technology that has the potential to benefit a wide range of stakeholders.

Successful Project between Omdena and OKO

In collaboration with OKO, Omdena successfully implemented the Armyworm Detection and Assessment project. By leveraging satellite imagery and machine learning models, the team developed tools and a web application to detect and assess the damage caused by armyworms in farming. This partnership aimed to provide affordable and simple crop insurance solutions for smallholder farmers.