Malawi Flying Labs Launches to Help Smallholder Farmers, Improve Conservation

A Malawian robotics knowledge hub is launching today under the banner of Malawi Flying Labs to build capacity and focus on implementing novel robotic and AI solutions to solve local challenges.

Passionate about the applications of drones and robotics in their country, Malawi Flying Labs brings cutting-edge technological solutions to areas where they can make the most impact, like helping farmers increase their crop yield, improving conservation efforts, and collecting and using data to protect vulnerable communities from climate change.

Malawi Flying Labs is particularly interested in using drones for disaster risk reduction, climate change resilience, and environmental conservation for rural Africa. They believe that the solutions to Africa's problems can be found in data. Using drones and remote sensing platforms, the team works on the frontier of putting actionable data into the hands of change-makers and local leaders.

Using drones and remote sensing platforms, the team works on the frontier of putting actionable data into the hands of change-makers and local leaders.

Even before officially forming Malawi Flying Labs, the team was providing drone services to local communities that needed them. Their first engagement was mapping a 600-acre settlement for drainage planning to protect area houses from flooding due to heavy rains. Since 2018, they have mapped the Dzaleka Refugee camp for UNHCR three times. And in their latest engagement with UNHCR last December, the team mapped 8,000 acres surrounding a refugee camp to help UNHCR and local authorities better understand the camp's impact on the surrounding communities and its infrastructure needs.

Now working officially as Malawi Flying Labs, the team will organize and manage additional pilot projects with a humanitarian, development, or conservation aim. They will do this by training local experts about robotics and AI, working with NGOs and local government, and promoting the use of technology for social good among school students. They will also provide expertise in using robotics technologies for businesses and entrepreneurs to spark economic growth.

Please join us in welcoming Malawi Flying Labs to the Flying Labs Network!