Meet Mustapha Diyaol-Haqq: The Young Ghanaian Innovator Who Won $600,000 for Groundbreaking Agric App
Mustapha Diyaol-Haqq, a 24-year-old Ghanaian, recently emerged as a global winner of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize, receiving an impressive $600,000 cash reward. His groundbreaking achievement is attributed to his development of an agricultural app that has revolutionized farming practices in Ghana and beyond.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recognizes and rewards individuals, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), high schools, and NGOs that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to global challenges. Established in 2008, the prize has become a beacon of hope for many innovators around the world, providing financial support and recognition to those who strive to make a positive impact on their communities.
Mustapha Diyaol-Haqq’s remarkable achievement came as a result of his development of the Okuafo AI App, which plays a pivotal role in assisting farmers to detect crop diseases at an early stage, enabling proactive measures to be taken. This innovative application, created by Diyaol-Haqq’s organization, the Okuafo Foundation, aims to provide sustainable agriculture technologies to farmers, particularly those in rural areas without internet access.
The Okuafo AI App addresses a crucial problem faced by farmers across Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Burkina Faso—crop diseases. By leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms, the app empowers farmers to identify potential diseases by interpreting color and numerical signals. This user-friendly approach enables even those with limited education and technological literacy to easily comprehend and respond to the app’s notifications.
Since its inception, the Okuafo AI App has already made a significant impact in the agricultural sector. Approximately 30,000 farmers have benefitted from the app’s disease detection capabilities, leading to increased crop yields and a remarkable 50% reduction in losses. By enabling farmers to take proactive measures in a timely manner, the app helps reduce their reliance on costly pesticides, resulting in economic savings and a more sustainable farming ecosystem.
Mustapha Diyaol-Haqq’s achievement exemplifies the potential of young innovators to create sustainable solutions that positively impact society. The Okuafo AI App not only enhances the livelihoods of farmers but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable development. By reducing the use of pesticides, the app promotes environmentally friendly farming practices, thereby safeguarding ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
Beyond the monetary reward, Diyaol-Haqq’s recognition by the Zayed Sustainability Prize serves as a testament to the power of youth-driven innovation. His success story inspires aspiring young entrepreneurs and inventors across the African continent and beyond, demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world. Diyaol-Haqq’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with passion, dedication, and the right support, anyone can create transformative solutions.
Mustapha Diyaol-Haqq’s victory in winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize and his development of the Okuafo AI App highlight the immense potential of young innovators in driving sustainable change. His agricultural app has revolutionized farming practices, helping thousands of farmers detect crop diseases early and take proactive steps to save their crops. As we continue to celebrate the accomplishments of young talents like Diyaol-Haqq
