From: To:
FruitFlyNet-ii in Tunisia hosted a two-day Living Lab to present e-services against medfly
The Olive Tree Institute (IO) organized a two-day living lab in the frame of the FruitFlyNet-ii project, that took place on 4th and 5th of October, 2023. The event proved a vital element of the project and an essential step for the integration of the development of the Location Aware System (LAS) products, namely, the new electronic trap device used to monitor the attack of the olive fly Bactrocera olae, and the e-services, that both further enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural pest management strategies. In this sense, the living lab offered a dynamic environment where researchers, users and experts, come together to collaboratively explore, test, and innovate. It served as real-world platform, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.The event followed by a diversity of participants: farmers, researchers, agricultural experts, investors… for an immersive and educational experience.
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Zayneb Chaâbene, the living lab was designed to spotlight the practical applications of the LAS e-services. During the brainstorming sessions following the presentation of the concept of the living lab, participants explored innovative solutions and exchanged ideas with members of the project.One of the activities involved was the use of a drone equipped with advanced sensors to digitize the field and then monitor the olive tree infestation. This practice data could revolutionize farming practices, enabling farmers to take informed decisions about irrigation and spraying, leading to higher production and reduce environmental negative impacts.
The living lab facilitated dynamic discussions encouraging participants to explore possibilities and propose enhancements for e-services. Members in the project from the Olive Tree Institute, including Dr. Ines Ksentini (local coordinator), Pr. Mohieddine Ksantini (local co-coordinator), Ms. Manel Ben Ameur (technical manager) and Dr. Marwa Bouri (network engineer), led enriching discussions, discussing the limitations of existing e-services and inspiring participants with innovative ideas.
Impact and Future Endeavors:
The living lab proved to be an invaluable platform, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Participants left with enriched perspectives and a shared vision for the future of agricultural technology. Their feedback highlighted the event's success in bridging the gap between theory and practice, inspiring participants to consider novel approaches and solutions in their respective fields. The living lab's success served as a testament to the importance of continuous dialogue and collaborative efforts in advancing agricultural technologies.