Kenyan Start-up, Eco Bristo’s Solar Insect Trap Revolutionizing Pest Control
In the heart of Africa, where agricultural practices often intersect with challenges posed by pests, Eco Bristo Limited emerges as a beacon of innovation.
This Kenyan agritech startup, under the visionary leadership of CEO and Founder Mutuma Muriuki, is on a mission to transform the landscape of pest management in agriculture.
The focal point of their endeavor: solar-powered insect traps designed to be sustainable alternatives to conventional pest control methods.
Muriuki, with unwavering dedication, emphasizes the adverse effects of prevalent chemical pesticides on users, consumers of agricultural produce, the environment, and biodiversity.
The clarion call from Eco Bristo is a commitment to revolutionize pest management through the development and distribution of solar-powered insect traps, ushering in an era of eco-friendly and sustainable technologies.
“Eco Bristo is dedicated to revolutionising pest management in agriculture using sustainable and eco- friendly technologies. We specialise in the development and distribution of solar-powered insect traps designed to address the pressing issue of pest infestations in farming. Our mission is to empower sustainable farming by providing alternative affordable and eco-friendly pest control technology and solutions” states Muriuki.
His motivation stems from the urgent need to address the environmental and economic challenges triggered by traditional pest management methods, predominantly reliant on chemical pesticides.
The repercussions, he notes, extend from harming ecosystems to posing health risks for farmers and fostering pesticide resistance in crops.
The technology driving Eco Bristo’s solar-powered insect traps is a result of extensive research and development efforts, coupled with improvements on existing knowledge.
The journey commenced in 2022, with the first solar trap launching in 2023 after rigorous testing and enhancements.
Functioning on the principle of attracting pests using LED lights, the traps prove to be a straightforward yet highly effective solution.
The solar panel, generating power during the day, operates the lights to capture pests at night.
Once captured, pests can be safely disposed of, and the trap is ready for the next operation.
Muriuki underscores the versatility of the technology, effective against a myriad of insect pests impacting various crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
While tailored to address common pests like the fall armyworm, false codling moth, diamond black moth, and fruit flies, the technology’s efficacy may vary based on specific species.
“We tailor the technology to address the most common and destructive pests in the regions where it is deployed, including the fall army worm, false codling moth, diamond black moth and even fruit flies,” Muriuki notes.
Field trials have demonstrated significant reductions in pest populations, resulting in enhanced crop yields.
The technology’s effectiveness hinges on factors like crop type, local pest species, and strategic trap placement.
Nevertheless, it consistently provides an environmentally responsible and sustainable pest management solution.
At the core of the technology’s success is its ability to mimic natural sources of attraction for insects.
LED lights replicate cues that pests rely on in their natural behavior, drawing them to the trap where they are subsequently captured.
Eco Bristo offers a diverse range of solar-powered insect traps tailored to specific crops and pest species, demonstrating adaptability to different environmental conditions and crop types.
In addition to their revolutionary pest control technology, Eco Bristo introduces a biochar bio-fertilizer as a solution to severe soil degradation.
Beta trials showcase significant improvements in soil regeneration and enhanced yields across various fruits and crops, coupled with carbon capture benefits.
Despite their commendable strides, Eco Bristo acknowledges challenges such as scaling production to meet growing demand, raising awareness among farmers about sustainable pest management practices, and navigating regulatory complexities.
Muriuki affirms their commitment to overcoming these challenges while continuously refining their solutions to better serve the agricultural community.
The recent accolade at the Ayute Africa challenge Kenya 2023 by Heifer Kenya stands as a testament to Eco Bristo’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovation.
The award recognizes the effectiveness and environmental benefits of their solar-powered insect traps, coupled with their dedication to promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices and fostering partnerships with local farming communities.
Muriuki views this award not just as a singular achievement but as a collective testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of his team.
More importantly, it reflects the positive impact that Eco Bristo’s technology has had and will continue to have on agriculture and the environment.
Looking ahead, Eco Bristo envisions expanding its product line to address a broader spectrum of agricultural challenges.
This expansion includes developing new trap models for different crop types and introducing complementary technologies like smart sensors for real-time pest monitoring.
The company also aims to venture into products related to soil fertility, further enriching their holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.
Leveraging data analytics and IoT technology is on Eco Bristo’s roadmap to provide farmers with insights into pest behavior, trap performance, and optimal intervention timing.
This data-driven approach empowers farmers to make informed decisions in line with the global trend toward sustainable agriculture.
“As with any innovative technology, we face challenges, including scaling production to meet growing demand, raising awareness among farmers about sustainable pest management practices and navigating regulatory and market complexities.
However, we are committed to overcoming these challenges and continuously improving our solutions to better serve the agricultural community,” states Muriuki.
Collaborations with research institutions, agricultural universities, and environmental organizations are in the pipeline to contribute to ongoing innovation in pest management.
Educational initiatives form a crucial part of Eco Bristo’s future plans, encompassing training programs and workshops for farmers, extension services, and agronomists.
The goal is to not only provide innovative solutions but also to empower individuals within the agricultural ecosystem with knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable farming.
Eco Bristo stands at the forefront of a sustainable agricultural revolution, armed with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to ecological responsibility.
As they navigate the complexities of the agricultural landscape, their journey becomes not just a narrative of innovation but a beacon of hope for a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with the environment.
