You can now use Snapchat's augmented reality camera to identify dog breeds and plant species (SNAP).

You can now use Snapchat's augmented reality camera to identify dog breeds and plant species (SNAP).Snapchat has armored its camera was a flurry of augmented-reality features in recent years that allow users to apply face filters and play with interactive lenses.

 At the Snap Partner Summit last week, the company debuted new partners for Scan, its press-and-hold-activated feature that gives users more information when they point their camera at various objects and surroundings.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.In developing countries like Nigeria, while rural farmers account for the greater part of the population, they also tend to lack access to basic knowledge and information that would help them achieve maximum agricultural yield. In a bid to solve this problem 27-year-old Nasir Yammama created Verdant AgriTech – a social enterprise created to support rural farmers with mobile technologies for sustainable farming and improved food production. Verdant offers personalized agricultural information and market intelligence to crop farmers in Nigeria through a mobile application that acts as an all-round companion for the farmer from the pre-planting period to harvest and beyond. Using low-end phones, SMS and voice services, rural farmers can easily interact with the system.

AGRIBUSINESS: New app diagnoses crop diseases.

AGRIBUSINESS: New app diagnoses crop diseases. A New app diagnoses crop diseases and notifies farmers. A team of scientists has developed a mobile phone application which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately identify crop diseases in the field. The app also delivers the latest advice to manage all major diseases and pests that affect root, tuber and banana crops, and helps African farmers identify the nearest agricultural extension support for the farmers. AGRIBUSINESS: New app diagnoses crop diseases.The project which is being implemented by a global network of scientists is part of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research’s (CGIAR) research programme on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). “As smartphones become more common in rural Africa, they also become handy in agricultural productivity.” AGRIBUSINESS: New app diagnoses crop diseases. “Smallholder farmers or extension officials having basic smartphones with a camera can download the application free of charge, run it up and point the camera at a leaf that has disease indications. They will then get an immediate diagnosis of the disease affecting the plant.” said Dr James Legg, a researcher at the IITA, in Tanzania, who heads the project alongside Dr David Hughes of Penn State University. New app diagnoses crop diseases and notifies farmers.

Farmers connect on I-CONNECT-AGRIC PLATFORM.

Farmers are using the E-platform I-CONNECT-AGRICULTURE to access information about livestock and pet care. This platform provides farming tips , such as disease prevention, provide access to drugs ,feed and tools.

The platform also connects  farmers to international standard practices by webinars, training and other resources . 

Introduction to various farming innovations around the world is also made  possible by  linking farmers with international farmers. Access to information that will scale the production level to remarkable heights.

Farmers dictate market prices with mobile phones.

A mobile phone revolution is redefining how small holder farmers buy and sell their produce, and shielding them from the unscrupulous middlemen who fix prices for their own benefit, with farmers recording tripling of yields by accessing market and comparing market prices on their own.

 The mobile phones send market prices information from different markets allowing farmers to compare and target the ripe time to dispose their produce. 

This has also meant that farmers can time when the supply of certain commodities is scarce, and cash in on the scarcity to sell their produce earning a decent income.continue

Smart Agriculture: Ending poverty with mobile phones.

Phones have been identified as a valuable tool to fight poverty. The use of phones can revolutionize the fight against poverty. Street trading is a common phenomenon in Africa, where various commodities are sold at traffic stops,interjections and street corners. Today,the story is different,as the commodities now include recharge cards. This shows the fast adaptability , and increasing importance of mobile phone technology in Africa. 

 There is the passion for joining the phone revolution and the information age that it brings into the nooks and crannies of the world. Mobile phone technology is not restricted to urban areas any more,but even the rural suburbs are cashing in on the vibe.

Phones in the hands of farmers could actually help to achieve the food security goal as valuable information about smart agriculture can be disseminated easily. 

Echbee vet ventures has a phone-a-farmer initiative ,that continue There is another arm of the outfit that dishes veterinary tips to farmers,see.

The platform works on this model ,see.Currently,the platform is expanding to reach more zones and also talking with foreign partners to promote technology exchange,to promote smart agriculture. Self Help Africa, an international development organisation working in agriculture, has been using this model of information revolution the fight against poverty. In Malawi, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Zambia, Self Help Africa is now partnering with a range of mobile network providers to provide free, on-demand farming information across a range of crops to farmers. 

Farmers dial into the service and, using touch-tone technology, access a voice message about a specific crop or farming practice. Partnering with network providers has an additional advantage because there will be an influx of customers to the platform, agribusiness partnership to promote food security will be developed,training schemes and empowerment programmes will also be developed to further boost productivity.

 A platform for agriculture with various stakeholders will be gigantic porter of buying,selling,training,exporting hub and tech--exchange to ensure our food for all goal with smart agriculture.

The need for open data in agriculture and nutrition to ensure food security.

New data-driven solutions in agriculture and nutrition are increasingly being seen as a way to tackle the estimated population explosion. It is estimated that the population of the world is expected to double and the increase will definitely result in more food production. The Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) initiative seeks to support global efforts to make agricultural and nutritional relevant data available, accessible, and usable worldwide. The three and a half year initiative funded by the UK Department for International Development will focus on building high-level policy support for open data in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors GODAN encourages collaboration and cooperation among existing agriculture and open data activities, and brings together stakeholders to solve global challenges. 

GODAN is about impact, it’s about finding the open data practices that work and using them to advocate for more open data in agriculture and nutrition. The initiative is using a data revolution to drive innovation in agriculture and nutrition, which ultimately means improved livelihoods for farmers, especially those in the developing world, and the ability for more people to feed themselves.more This is where telecommunication comes into play, the higher the number of farmers that are connected on a network/platform ,the more data is generated and information disseminated easily. The issue of data is key to any economy, if people,farms, markets,hospitals,stores can not be identified in terms of location,size and capacity then no meaningful planning can be set in motion and definitely no budgetary allocation to cater for that sector. Phones with easy connectivity are a vital tool for growth in agriculture. 

The possibilities are endless and its sad that most farmers in the developing countries are still not connected,the issue of disease surveillance,disease control ,animal health services and pricing of products can easily be rectified by connection of farmers on the network. 

The recent outbreak of anthrax in Yamal could have been curtailed and not escalated as it is now,where many are infected ,and a record of a child' death. The authorities have said they have to bury about 150 corpses a day, all because there was a bridge in communication, the herd man involved had to walk for 5 days to notify authorities of the disease incidence,this delay caused exposure of some many people and also consumption of infected animals. 

 Precision agriculture which is the modern farming ,also works on this premise.The data generated are sent through phones over a reliable network,most of the information generated from the farm,the animals,the soil and environment are all relayed through phones,and the corrective measures also through this platform making response time fast and production effective. 

I believe this is the time to start counting,numbers rule the world. The number of people at risk of hunger in the developing world is estimated to grow to more than a billion people by 2050,but sadly these people are not connected on any network. 

 Mobile connectivity that is expected to drive growth and development along side digital inclusion is still very low among rural communities. The 2016 Mobile Economy report for Africa, which was released by GSMA during the GSMA Mobile 360 Africa event in Dar Es Salaam, , showed that at the end of 2015, 46 per cent of the population in Africa, subscribed to mobile services, which is equivalent to more than half of a billion people. Africa’s three dominant markets are Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa, together accounted for about a third of the region’s total subscriber base.This shows there is so much to be done to ensure all facets of the economy is connected through data sharing, data analysis and networking at various levels to ensure the food security goal.

Agriculture and real estate investment.

Agriculture the 21st century goldmine.Starting an agribusiness usually requires a piece of land for expression,no matter how small,an investment in real estate is important.

 Agriculture could also be practiced in urban areas making an investment in real estate a profitable one.

  Agriculture in living areas could be very profitable if integrated farming is practiced.Investing in real estate alongside agriculture is a double stream of income with several tributaries.

  A piece of land purchased in residential area could be divided into 2 sections, a part(front as living quarters) and back (2nd part) as an agricultural area for production.

  A fish farm could be integrated with vegetable farming or ornamental fish farming, rabbits could also be raised and integrated with pepper or tomato plants.

  These projects are fast yielding if practiced with modern techniques. The purchase of land in choice estates affords the buyer a lot of advantages such as security, good road network, electricity and most especially ready market for your products.

The price in these estates are cheap with convenient payment plan and rapid return on investment

Real estate and agriculture are the easiest and fastest way to rewrite your financial story. These estates are located in choice spots in the country ,the location of the estate makes accessibility easy and convenient.

The land could actually be purchased and resold for more profit or could be developed and rented out,either way you win

.Foreign investments into these estates is also another jackpot, you could purchase the land even if you are in diaspora or better still you and your friends in diaspora could buy in the same area,and monitor work progress together.

 This is the success story of Mr Adu who purchased 4 plots in different estates last year,the cost of land has doubled this year so he sold a plot and still holding on to the other 2 plots while building the 3rd plot.
This transaction he carried out from his base in Italy,and still seeking out investment opportunities.

Join the train #homeowners #real estates # investment plan. These plots go for as low as 400,000 naira with flexible plan options of up t0 48 months and choice plots go for as low as 1.8 million with flexible payment plan for up to 36 months.

Buy and keep to sell later or buy and build now the choice is yours. #real estate #investment #affordable housing.

Kenyan students’ app emerges first runner up in global innovation contest.

A mobile application developed by Precious Blood, Riruta students was named first runners-up in a global contest that recognizes schoolgirls’ technological innovations.The M-Safiri app- designed to ease the process of booking and paying for public transport- emerged second in the Technovation Challenge 2016 held in San Francisco, California in the US. bbThe Precious Blood students, who go by the name ‘Team Sniper’, developed it through App Challenge, an initiative of Safaricom Women In Technology (WIT) dedicated to inspiring women in technology and entrepreneurship and targets girls in high schools for a 12 week coaching period. M-Safiri tied in the second place with ‘Go Green’, an iOS app by New Dork team from USA to minimize food wastage by restaurants. The winning app that clinched the USD 100, 000 prize, was ‘OOL’ developed by Team from Mexico to encourage citizens to volunteer in social work.Read more

Epidemic viruses often contaminate mobile phones used by healthcare workers.

Thirty-nine percent of mobile phones held by health care workers at a French hospital were contaminated with epidemic viruses, according to recent findings published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection. “Nowadays, mobile phones are frequently used by health care workers [HCWs] during care,” Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers, MD, PhD, in the department of infectious diseases at the University of Lyon in France, told Infectious Disease News. “We demonstrated for the first time that RNA of epidemic viruses are present on mobile phones used by HCWs.” In previous studies, up to 25% of mobile phones were found to be contaminated with bacteria, the researchers wrote. In addition, more than 50% of HCWs admitted to using mobile phones in their clinical environment during contact with patients. At the University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Botelho-Nevers and colleagues examined common mobile phone practices and assessed the presence of viral RNA on the devices from metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, rotavirus and norovirus. They surveyed 114 HCWs working in either an adult (n = 58) or pediatric (n = 56) department. Surveyed HCWs included senior physicians (n = 25), residents (n = 30), nurses (n = 32) and nurses’ assistants (n = 27). Both personal and work phones were sampled, and viral RNA was extracted using real-time quantitative PCR. The researchers found that senior physicians and residents more frequently used their personal mobile phones compared with nurses and nurses’ assistants (33/55 vs. 10/59; P < .001). Mobile phones were more often used in adult wards than in pediatric wards (46/58 vs. 27/56; P < .001), and cordless hospital phones were disinfected less frequently in pediatric wards. Viral RNA was found on 38.5% of mobile phones, with rotavirus detected on 39 of 109 devices, respiratory syncytial virus on three and metapneumovirus on one. No viral RNA from norovirus or influenza was detected. These results indicate that mobile phones must be disinfected in clinical settings, the researchers noted. “This work does not support the ban of the use of mobile phones in hospitals,” Botelho-Nevers said. “We just want to make HCWs aware that mobile phones, which are part of our daily practice, can be contaminated by pathogens and notably viruses. “The use of disinfection wipes to clean phones and adherence to hand hygiene are crucial to prevent cross-transmission of pathogens. Contributed by healio.com

HOW TO GENERATE DATA FOR FOOD SECURITY USING APPS, PHOTOS AND FOOD PRICES.

A San Francisco-based startup has sent out data collectors armed with just an Android phone, to harvest real-time economic data as and where it happens. From the price of onions in Indian cities to delayed infrastructure projects in rural China,


Premise data is, for the first time, giving governments, investors and NGOs an accurate glimpse of what is happening on the ground.

 In the Butantã branch of Extra, the Brazilian supermarket chain, in the western suburbs of São Paulo, Sandra Morais, 37, is taking photos of bags of rice.

She's not some retail Instagrammer or an obsessive foodie, but one of 25,000 data collectors that a San Francisco-based startup called premise.

 The aim is to ascertain which products are available , at what price and quantities available and location available to facilitate proper planning .

 Premise was founded in 2012 by an American former investment analyst, David Soloff, now 46, who realized that a large amount of developing-world economic data, on which big institutions were basing their risk and funding decisions, was significantly out of date by the time it reached their desks.

Avian Flu Found in Hong Kong Wild Bird.

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been discovered in Hong Kong's Diamond Hill area.The virus was found in a dead Great Egret, as part of an intensive surveillance effort. Laboratory tests confirmed the bird was infected with the H5N6 strain of the virus.The dead bird was found and collected from a non-public area near Spring Hill in the Nan Lian Garden, Diamond Hill, Wong Tai Sin, last Thursday (December 31). The great egret is a common resident of Hong Kong and some are winter visitors. The spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said cleaning and disinfection have been stepped up at the venue, adding that there are no poultry farms within 3 kilometres of where the dead bird was found. In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken. The spokesman said the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented. The department will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance."People should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. story source; poultry site.

INTERNET OF FOOD PIE.

Take a bite.

AGRICULTURE : A NEW APPROACH.

The raising of birds can be a tedious task, or outright stressful if you dont know how to raise birds.The myth in the chain can be broken with proper education and hands-on work through with professionals. There are various methods of investing in the poultry value chain, these are direct and indirect investment.The common mode of investment here is the direct type; here the investors are involved in various stages of production that resonant with them. Agriculture The indirect phase,the investors pay a certain amount of money depending on level of investment such as gold,bronze and diamond.The investors partners with agri investors,that raise the birds,sell and give profit to the investor. This is an easy way of investing in the value chain,just pay required amount according to level of participation.Its with so much excitement that i announce the participation of a foreign agri-investment company to the investors forum.The company are coming down with all their expertise ,partnering with farmers to ensure food security.I was amazed at their track records, fast delivery,monitoring of progress of business online, broilers the Ross type, ready for market at 2.6kg at 6 weeks,and the investment is safe and covered by agreements backed by law. This is a new approach to the poultry value chain, another MDGS goal realized by partnering with foreign bodies for growth and development. Yes, you can be a silent partner in the poultry value chain and still make profit. The march towards food security and sustainability is on,and the call for investors to the value chain is on-going.The players in this value chain have been highlighted and our network increasing daily. These group of investors bring all the players of the chain on a platform; a central data pool. This platform will be multifaceted,it will bring all the aspects of the chain together,providing a tracking and tracing model,which will be a planning tool,marketing tool and learning platform. How will it work?? the platform will have data of those involved in the various aspect of the chain,their location, the aspect of production they are involved in and the population of the birds. This information will give data on vaccination/medication, so that at any point in time the health status of various sets of birds can be accessed. The platform will be a marketing tool,where manufacturers of drugs,feed,farm tools can reach out to customers.The platform will be a vital tool for planning,because you know the number of birds in chain,the vaccines can be acquired, medications/vitamins can be sourced and distributed.Each chain operator will have a code,this will allow tracing,tracking and tailored medical interventions. The platform will grant open access to all strata of the chain; linking all aspects together so that customers can access all sale information on the site.Training and learning will be available on site,with hand outs,webinars and interactive forum;where producers can be tutored and new interested producers can be trained. The platform will make access about the chain easy,the platform will also be a money market where goods and services can be accessed and paid for by using your phone.This platform will provide an onsite information about the value chain. Partnership with local and international companies for exchange of technology will be easy using this inter phase.The value change is broad and a platform for bringing all investors together is so vital to the success.

SOCIAL PROTECTION , WOMEN AND FOOD SECURITY.

( Photo credit; internet). Social protection; simply refers to programmes,policies ,laws and regulation that are designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by providing a way of escape by tackling these issues .Social protection seeks to support those that are at risk because of sickness,illness, disability ,exclusion and old age.Social protection is to provide help to those in need and prevent shock caused by these factors. The sector of the society basically affected are women and children; they are at risk of shock caused by lack,discrimination, disability,poverty e.t.c. Social protection is vital to food security as the women and children which are part of the work force are segregated/discriminated and holed up by laws that hamper productivity.The land laws are big issues in certain parts of Africa, where land rights are given to men; how will the women make a living without farmlands? how about education? how many girls are in school/or learning a skill that will be a source of income. Traditional beliefs such as female genital mutilation, this must be addressed; social protection must cover all unlawful acts and practices that prevent the provision of normal basic amenities and human rights .Equal land rights, employment opportunities,a means of livelihood,right to life,education,primary health care and a cell-group where there are interactions,discussion and training is the best form of social protection that will ensure economic growth, and food security.

POULTRY INFORMATION ON THE MOVE.

Check out updates in app;http://ibuildapp.com/new.simulator.php?app=1817954 Information about poultry health,care drugs and vaccination protocol,available at your finger tips.Get latest info on app; better to be safe than sorry.

AGRIBUSINESS :VETERINARY MEDICINE AND PHONES.

Veterinary tips on- the- go, get informative tips on animal diseases,prevention and treatment protocols. The service also involves information on animal health products,method of use and specific products to use in cases of disease incidence. For all veterinary tips,TEXT VET TO 35818 ON ANY NETWORK.

I-CONNECT- AGRICULTURE - APP.

New, fresh, and informative!!! PET CARE 2 APP. This app provides information on animals,diseases, prevention and treatment protocols.It also showcases new products,and also recommends products to farmers. The app is also a market place platform.Come on board. Get the app now.!!! A new app

Experts turn to technology to feed the world

Experts turn to technology to feed the world

VETERINARY MEDICINE : HOW TO USE YOUR PHONES IN YOUR POULTRY VALUE CHAIN BUSINESS.

 HOW TO USE YOUR PHONES IN YOUR POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

 HOW TO USE YOUR PHONES IN YOUR POULTRY VALUE CHAIN BUSINESS.

 The phones has made running business so easy, you can practically carry your business in your hands. The phone and poultry value chain; lets look at the relationship.The phone can be used in the following ways to boost productivity;

 1) Schedule appointments, write to do lists, and store contacts . 

 2) Messages can be sent in short codes as texts, you can also sent short multimedia messages.The phone can be used to send message,show pictures of health conditions of birds. The m.m.s, can be used to notify professionals of conditions of birds.The pictures of the birds can be used to check an atlas of diseases ,this can give the owner an idea of whats happening to the birds. 

 3) Contacts of other poultry farmers can be accessed and forum formed for interaction.

 4)Phones can be used to make videos of procedures in the farm,the pictures can be used as evidence in insurance cases. 

5)Installing a camera in the farm and attached to your phone,can allow proper monitoring of activities and prevent pilfering in the farm.

 6) proper record keeping is ensured using the phone,you can trace and track activities such as visitors e.t.c. 

 The uses of phones on the farms are enormous,you cant ignore the benefits.