Lyela Mutisya, founder of Agridrone Technologies, is a dynamic entrepreneur transforming African agriculture through innovative drone technology. Born in Kenya and educated in the United States, she combines her background in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems with her family's agricultural roots to address critical farming challenges. After gaining experience in UAV medical deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded her company in 2022 to help Kenyan farmers reduce input costs and increase yields. Agridrone Technologies uses drones to collect and analyze data on crop health, disease detection, and pest control, making farming more efficient and profitable. Despite initial skepticism about drone use in agriculture, Lyela's persistent advocacy has led to increased acceptance and support from institutions like the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Her partnership with The Coffee Research Institute aims to enhance coffee production by using drones to manage inputs and detect diseases. Lyela's story underscores the importance of perseverance, networking, and the transformative potential of technology in solving real-world problems.
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