LSU unveils three agricultural innovations at ZITF

Lupane State University (LSU) showcased three innovative solutions — a Disease Detection Mobile Application, the GoPowder Processor, and Geo-Herd — at the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, highlighting its role in developing practical technologies aimed at improving agricultural productivity and livestock management.

The innovations highlight LSU’s growing role in driving practical, solution-oriented research that responds to real-world challenges.

Speaking to Zimpapers, Dr Mlamuleli Mhlanga, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Lupane State University, said the institution is keeping pace with global innovation trends, stressing that such initiatives are critical to achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of attaining upper-middle-income economy status.

“The Disease Detection Mobile Application is a smart mobile app that empowers users to detect potential diseases in crops early using symptom analysis and AI-driven insights,” said Dr Mhlanga.

“With real-time guidance and easy-to-use features, it bridges the gap between communities and timely control measures. Designed for accessibility, it puts preventive health right in your pocket. The application has also been designed to assist mushroom growers in detecting poisonous mushrooms and ensuring easy management in the fruiting house.”

He added that the application is currently in the testing phase and is expected to be available soon on the Google Play Store and other digital platforms.

Turning to the second innovation, Dr Mhlanga described the GoPowder Processor as a compact, high-efficiency grinder designed to transform raw materials into fine, quality powder within minutes. Built for convenience and durability, the machine is aimed at supporting small-scale producers and entrepreneurs in adding value to agricultural products.

“GoPowder makes processing faster, cleaner, and more profitable. It has been tested and is currently in use, with a capacity of 10–15 kilograms per hour. It was developed by BSc Education degree students working alongside lecturers,” he explained.

In addition to these innovations, LSU also showcased Geo-Herd, a livestock monitoring solution designed to address challenges faced by farmers, particularly in cattle management.

“This innovation was developed by Mr Philani Dlamini, an Information and Communication Technology staff member at LSU. Geo-Herd is the digital shepherd Zimbabwe never had,” said Dr Mhlanga.

“While millions of rural and commercial farmers lose cattle to theft, misplacement, and diseases every year, Geo-Herd turns just five percent of a herd into the eyes of the entire operation.”

He further explained that the system comprises a solar-powered neckband, a radio wave capable of transmitting up to 10 kilometres at no cost, and a live digital dashboard.

“That’s all it takes to give a Zimbabwean farmer the same real-time intelligence that a commercial ranch in New Zealand pays thousands of dollars a month for. At a one-time affordable cost — with no SIM card, no subscription, and no compromise — the system provides data that not only helps farmers protect their herds today but also builds a living map of their rangelands over time,” he said.

The technology also offers broader benefits, including providing rangeland managers with grazing pressure intelligence to prevent land degradation, supplying the Ministry of Agriculture with verifiable herd movement data for policy and land-use planning, and enabling researchers to analyse seasonal migration patterns, drought responses, and pasture utilisation trends through cloud-based dashboards and mobile devices.

“When the rains shift and the dry season sets in, Geo-Herd’s heatmaps don’t just show where the cattle are — they show where they have always been, where they are likely to go, and what that means for the land in the next season,” Dr Mhlanga added.

The Geo-Herd innovation is particularly significant for the Matabeleland region, where cattle farming is a dominant economic activity and cases of livestock theft are frequently reported. As such, it presents a practical solution to persistent challenges faced by farmers while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.