Zee Media takes AI soil testing to farmers

A youth-led company from Katima Mulilo is using agricultural drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to help farmers improve crop production, manage pests and make better-informed decisions about their land.Zee Media Group CC founder Mulozi Bradley Lisao told Ewi lyaNooli yesterday that the company had generated approximately N$122 500 from its agricultural drone operations and AI-powered soil assessment services.The company, which initially operated in photography, videography and digital marketing, has expanded into agricultural technology, including precision spraying and soil diagnostics.On 27 October, the media group placed first among 14 businesses at the SME Fund Chelete Cage Pitch competition, where it presented plans to expand its SOILO AI soil assessment services.The Soilo AI device assesses 16 soil parameters and indicators, including pH and moisture levels.During a demonstration on a tomato plot in the Zambezi region, the assessment identified low phosphorus and moisture readings.Lisao said such information could help farmers make better decisions, although laboratory testing and professional agronomic interpretation remain important for detailed fertiliser recommendations.He said the business had requested N$100 000 in funding to increase its capacity from one soil assessment device to four, with a target of conducting at least 50 consultations over the next 12 months.Stepping upLisao’s background in environmental health sciences and growing up in the Zambezi region shaped his interest in using technology to address challenges facing farmers.“I witnessed the enormous agricultural potential of our communities, but also the challenges farmers face, including pest outbreaks, unpredictable rainfall, limited access to modern equipment and insufficient information about soil conditions,” he said.One of the company's practical interventions arose during a locust outbreak, when it engaged the agriculture ministry and conducted a pilot drone-spraying operation covering 201.87 hectares.Lisao said the company subsequently coordinated the continuation of spraying activities with stakeholders and partners.He said agricultural drones could cover large areas, access difficult terrain and apply approved crop-protection products more precisely. He stressed, however, that spraying drones are primarily used for application, while early detection depends on field surveillance, farmer observations and coordination with authorities.Reaching farmersThe company wants to make the Soilo AI technology accessible to communal and small-scale farmers who cannot afford to purchase expensive equipment themselves.Its approach includes assessing several farms during one deployment, potentially allowing another farmer in the same area to receive an assessment without an additional consultation charge.The company is also working with Agri Optimistic Investments CC to combine its technology with agricultural consultancy and agronomic advice.Lisao identified transport and logistics as major obstacles to expansion, particularly when servicing remote farming communities. Zee hopes to acquire a dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicle and agricultural drone trailer.He also called for government to support local technology providers through public-private partnerships, pilot programmes, accessible financing and targeted procurement.“We should also encourage government institutions to view youth-led enterprises as implementation partners in agricultural development, rather than only as beneficiaries of funding programmes,” he said.The company was invited to the Office of the Prime Minister on 1 September to present its solutions to representatives from the Environmental Investment Fund and the agriculture ministry.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Zee Media takes AI soil testing to farmers

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-04

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Zee Media takes AI soil testing to farmers

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-04

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