A young innovator from South Africa’s North West province, Gaoagwe Jeje, has developed a drone-based system aimed at improving disease detection and biosecurity in poultry farming.

His invention, known as the Kgosi BioTech drone system, combines aerial drone technology with a mobile application to help farmers identify potential health risks in their flocks at an early stage.The system uses onboard cameras, microphones, and environmental sensors such as temperature and humidity monitors to scan chickens and gather data.This information is then analysed and compared with patterns associated with healthy and unhealthy birds.

When the system detects signs of possible illness or abnormal conditions, it generates recommendations for farmers, which may include isolating affected birds or considering vaccination measures.The aim is to reduce rapid disease spread, minimise livestock losses, and ultimately strengthen food security in poultry production.

Jeje’s innovation was developed through participation in a hackathon focused on agricultural solutions and later supported by the Technology Innovation Agency’s Grassroots Innovation Programme, which helps local innovators turn practical ideas into viable technologies.

His project received national recognition when it earned second place in the Outstanding Youth Grassroots Innovator category at the Grassroots Awards, competing against more than 700 entries.

Despite technical difficulties, funding limitations, and challenges accessing farms for testing, the team managed to refine the system through collaboration and persistence.The drone is now available for purchase online, while farmers can access the analytical software through a monthly subscription model.

Looking ahead, the development team plans to commercialise the technology further and expand its application beyond poultry to include cattle, goats, pigs, and aquaculture, supporting broader agricultural disease monitoring across South Africa.