“Optimization of machine learning techniques performances in maize yield prediction under several controlled weather and fertilisation patterns”
Country of Study
Benin
Institution
University of Abomey-Calavi
Expected Year of Completion
2024
Thematic Area
Agriculture and Food Security
Education
Souand is pursuing her PhD in Agronomic Sciences at the University of Abomey-Calavi where she is also a Teaching Assistant. She has an MSc in Biostatistics from the same institution and will complete her studies in 2024.
Research Summary
Maize is a staple food crop and a source of livelihood for millions of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, producing it becomes more difficult due to climatic variabilities, the complexity of the African continent, and its interaction with socio-political challenges. Moreover, yield prediction models in the region still face several challenges. These challenges include limited availability and access to reliable and accurate data, inadequate understanding of the underlying biological and environmental factors that affect maize yield, and insufficient use of advanced statistical and machine learning methods for modelling and prediction. Souand’s research addresses these gaps using machine learning algorithms and techniques to analyse large and diverse data sources, including climate and fertiliser levels, to develop robust and accurate maize yield prediction models. Her research also explores how various weather factors, such as rainfall, temperature, and insolation, affect maize yields through advanced data mining and analysis techniques. The research findings will enable farmers in Benin and beyond to adopt appropriate agronomic practices and technologies to improve crop yield.
Publications:
1. Perception des populations sur les facteurs de dégradation et les mesures de protection de la Réserve de Biosphère Transfrontalière du W au Bénin
2. Incidence des représentations sociales sur la durabilité sociale de l’aménagement des forêts classées des monts kouffe et de Wari-Maro au Benin
