By Odhiambo David
Nairobi, Kenya: Ever heard of drones that can be used to plant seeds in open fields? Well, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and Kenya Flying Labs (KFL) have launched specialized drones fully fitted with seed dispensers in a bid to ramp up reforestation efforts in the country.
“The drone mechanism is a new technology to replace the traditional methods which have been used to regenerate the forest cover in the country which have worked in the days however not to the rate required to attain the 10 percent forest cover by 2030,” says Mohammed Akasha, a technical expert from KFL during the ceremony to launch the drones yesterday.
He added that the technology has proved effective for planting trees in large and inaccessible areas because of various reasons including harsh weather conditions and fear of being attacked by wild animals. He called on the government and stakeholders in forest conservation to embrace the technology to combat global warming.
Senior Deputy Director Research and Development at KEFRI, Dr. Jane Njuguna, said the seeder drones complemented helicopters and light wing airplanes that dispense seeds, however at prohibitive costs.
“The KFL and WeRobotics’ technology offers an affordable method of regenerating forests and making our country greener while curbing global warming effects,” she added.
Silas Kironji, a certified drone pilot from Drone Space Kenya, explained that the drones could fly for about fifteen minutes on a single battery charge covering about 0.8ha of land.
“The seeder drone carries seven kilograms of seeds and dispenses five seeds at a time,” he added.
A Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture Feature 2022: odhisdavid59@gmail.com
