Digital Space – Estimate App with Dr. Kolade

In this episode of Digital Spaces by Radio IITA, Dr. Olufisayo Kolade explores the Estimate App, a mobile innovation transforming how yam anthracnose disease (YAD) is studied and managed.

The Estimate App, available on Android and iOS, is a phenotyping tool designed to quantify the severity of anthracnose symptoms on yam leaves, enabling researchers, breeders, and field practitioners to collect standardized data and export it for further analysis. Developed and published by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the app supports both field and laboratory phenotyping, with the goal of accelerating the selection of yam clones resistant to this devastating disease.

During the conversation, Dr. Kolade discusses:

• The problem of yam anthracnose disease and its impact on food security
• How the Estimate App works in real-world research and field conditions
• Why digital phenotyping matters for crop improvement in Africa
• The broader role of applied technology in agricultural research and innovation

This episode highlights how mobile technology, data, and agricultural science intersect to address real challenges in African food systems.

A must-listen for anyone interested in agritech, research-driven innovation, plant health, and the future of digital tools in agriculture.