D.E.T Services Founder on Climate-Smart Agriculture, Drone Technology, and Transforming Smallholder Farming in Africa
Across Africa, agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods, yet millions of smallholder farmers continue to face persistent challenges — from unpredictable climate conditions and pest outbreaks to inefficient farm management and low productivity.
For Ted Eni, founder of D.E.T Services, these challenges represent more than statistics. They are lived realities he encountered firsthand through field research and direct engagement with farming communities.
Today, he is building solutions that merge technology with agriculture — using drones, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems to improve productivity, resilience, and profitability for farmers.
A Foundation Built on Agriculture and Innovation
Ted Eni’s journey is rooted in a strong academic and practical foundation in agriculture and environmental science. With a background in Soil Science and Meteorology, his early understanding of climate systems and soil behavior naturally positioned him within the agricultural space.
However, beyond academics, his curiosity for problem-solving pushed him into entrepreneurship early. Before founding D.E.T Services, he experimented with different ventures, including a snacks brand and a youth-focused fashion line.
For him, entrepreneurship has always been about identifying gaps and building solutions.
“Entrepreneurship is how I turn market gaps into realities,” he explains.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The turning point for Ted came during fieldwork with smallholder farmers in Ebonyi State.
Initially, he assumed access to farm inputs was the biggest challenge. But deeper engagement revealed more complex issues — flooding, pest infestations, crop diseases, and lack of precision in farm management.
That discovery reshaped his direction entirely.
Instead of building generic solutions, he committed to developing precision agriculture tools tailored to the real needs of African farmers.
Inside D.E.T Services
D.E.T Services is a precision agriculture and climate-smart innovation company helping farmers make better decisions through technology.
The company integrates:
- Drone-based farm mapping and monitoring
- AI-powered pest and disease detection
- Farm data analytics
- Precision input spraying systems
Its mission is simple but powerful: improve productivity while reducing waste and increasing resilience against climate-related risks.
Unlike imported solutions that often fail to adapt to local realities, D.E.T Services focuses on accessibility and practicality.
“We are not just deploying technology; we are adapting it to fit the needs of underserved farming communities,” Ted says.
Challenges of Building in Emerging Markets
Like many early-stage founders in Africa’s tech ecosystem, Ted faced significant challenges — particularly around funding, infrastructure, and access to resources.
Developing agricultural technology requires equipment, testing environments, and continuous field validation, all of which demand capital and support.
Beyond funding constraints, there was also skepticism around the role of advanced technology in rural farming systems.
Despite these barriers, he remained committed to learning, building partnerships, and staying close to the mission.
Participation in innovation programs such as Orange Corners and the Pivot Challenge played a key role in providing structure, exposure, and growth opportunities.
Creating Real Impact on the Ground
Today, D.E.T Services is already making measurable impact.
According to Ted, the company has supported over 600 farmers through improved farm monitoring, early pest and disease detection, and better input management practices.
Beyond direct services, the company is also helping reshape perceptions of agriculture — especially among young people — positioning it as a modern, technology-driven sector rather than a traditional occupation.
The Future of Agriculture in Africa
Currently, D.E.T Services is expanding its precision agriculture services and developing an AI-powered pest and disease detection application designed for real-time agricultural decision-making.
The company is also preparing for the next phase of its Harvest Heroes Project, an initiative focused on educating rural communities and young people about climate-smart agriculture.
Looking ahead, Ted believes the future of agriculture in Africa will be shaped by AI, remote sensing, and climate-adaptive farming systems.
Leadership and Purpose
For Ted Eni, leadership is rooted in service, responsibility, and vision.
He believes true leadership is about creating opportunities for others and remaining committed even in uncertain conditions.
At the core of his journey is a simple philosophy:
“Meaningful innovation begins with empathy.”
Understanding real problems, he believes, is the foundation for building solutions that last.
Beyond Work
Outside of building technology solutions, Ted enjoys nature, sports, creativity, and meaningful conversations. He is also known for his interest in curating wine tasting experiences and exploring vineyards.
But beyond personal interests, his focus remains clear — building systems that improve lives at scale.
Conclusion
Ted Eni represents a new generation of African founders blending agriculture, technology, and innovation to solve real-world problems.
Through D.E.T Services, he is not only building tools for farmers but also contributing to a larger vision — a more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural future for Africa.
About D.E.T Services
D.E.T Services is a precision agriculture and climate-smart innovation company leveraging AI, drones, and data-driven systems to support smallholder farmers across Africa.
Featured in: Founders Impact Series – Climate & Innovation Edition