The Role of Autonomous Robotics in Advancing Precision Agriculture in Kenya

Exploring the Potential of Autonomous Robotics in Precision Agriculture in Kenya

The rapid growth of agricultural technology in Kenya has opened new opportunities for enhancing food security, productivity, and environmental sustainability. One of the most promising innovations is the adoption of autonomous robotics in precision agriculture. This research investigates the application, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of robotic systems within Kenya’s smallholder and commercial farming sectors.

Autonomous robots can perform tasks such as planting, weeding, crop monitoring, harvesting, and soil analysis with high accuracy, consistency, and minimal human intervention. These technologies address labor shortages, reduce operational costs, and optimize resource utilization.

This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining field experiments, farmer interviews, and technology assessments. The field trials involved deploying custom-designed agricultural robots equipped with computer vision, GPS, and AI-powered decision-making algorithms across maize, tea, and horticultural farms in Kiambu, Murang'a, and Nakuru counties.

Key findings indicate that robotic precision farming significantly improves yield (by up to 28%), reduces water and fertilizer use (by 15-20%), and lowers labor costs by over 30% in some cases. However, challenges persist in initial capital costs, technical skill gaps, infrastructure limitations, and policy support.

The research concludes with policy recommendations to incentivize robotic innovation, strengthen training programs, and foster public-private partnerships to scale robotics adoption across Kenya’s agricultural landscape.