From Grandma's Field to Green Revolution

One Student's Tech Dream for Rwandan Farmers

Witnessing hardship fuels a passion for change.

In the sunny heart of rural Rwanda, where hills tell stories and dreams bloom, is where it all began. Growing up in this tight-knit community with my grandmother, a strong figure among local farmers, I could see how she worked tirelessly in the fields daily. Her hands, rough from years of hard work, told the story of a life dedicated to farming. But no matter how hard she worked, getting enough food from the land was often difficult. The unpredictable weather, especially during droughts, could devastate crops and leave fields empty. Seeing this struggle firsthand, I dreamt of using new technology to make life easier for farmers like my grandma while improving farming for all of Rwanda.

Delving my thoughts back to where I come from, I started a mission of using technology effectively to solve real problems in my community. This is how the idea for the Smart Irrigation System project came to life. The aim was to turn dry fields into green spaces, like golf courses. This isn't just about fancy technology; it is a story of hope and improving things. This System isn't just about growing more crops; it is a way to break free from poverty and hunger while giving a chance at a better life.

My journey towards developing the Smart Irrigation System was shaped by my experiences growing up in rural Rwanda, where the resilience and determination of farmers like my grandmother inspired me to pursue a path of education and innovation. Despite her hardships, my grandmother always emphasized the importance of education as a means of empowerment. Her unwavering support fueled my determination to excel academically and strive for a better future.

Meet Afsa Umutoniwase, a driven undergraduate at the African Leadership University (ALU). Afsa's dedication to excellence earned her the top position in her national exam and a prestigious scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation, propelling her towards a bachelor's degree in software engineering.

Driven by a desire for impactful change, Afsa has embarked on a mission to utilize technology effectively to address real-world challenges, as evidenced by her pioneering project, the Smart Irrigation System. Beyond her academic pursuits, Afsa's engagement in community service initiatives underscores her dedication to making a positive difference in the world around her.

-Temitope Solanke, Managing Director (Pontem Analytics Rwanda, Ltd)

Discovering solutions through education and innovation.

It was during my educational journey that I encountered the transformative potential of technology. Enrolling in a course that included computer science opened my eyes to the wonders of modern innovation and the possibilities it held for addressing pressing societal challenges. Reflecting on my grandmother's struggles and the profound impact of technology, I resolved to find a way to marry the two and leverage technology to improve farming practices in Rwanda.

As I pursued further studies, including a software engineering course at ALU, I delved deeper into coding and software development. During this time, the idea for the Smart Irrigation System began to take shape in my mind. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, I set out to bring my vision to life, coding the system using Python and exploring ways to integrate sensors and controllers for optimal functionality. Currently, the Smart Irrigation System remains in the prototype phase, with initial designs and coding underway. Leveraging my expertise in software engineering, I have begun developing the system's core functionalities, focusing on automation and optimization of irrigation processes.

Unveiling the Intricate Details

Join me as I delve into the intricate functionality of this ingenious solution!

To optimize its performance, the system is designed to incorporate three essential functionalities—Introduction and Guidelines, Display Problems Function, and Irrigation Function."

The 'Introduction and Guidelines' feature serves as the cornerstone of the Smart Irrigation System. This section offers clear instructions, a user-friendly interface, and a system overview. It enables users to understand the system's capabilities, log in or sign up, and familiarize themselves with best practices for effective usage. Equipping farmers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the system successfully enables them to optimize plant care and irrigation processes effectively.

The Smart Irrigation System's "Display Problems" function relies on a network of advanced sensors strategically placed throughout the fields, primarily focused on measuring soil moisture levels. These sensors provide real-time insights for assessing crop health and determining optimal irrigation schedules. The number and placement of sensors vary based on factors like field size, soil composition, and crop types, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Data collected by the sensors is stored in a centralized database, typically using SQLite, enabling advanced analytics and decision-making. This capability allows for predictive insights, optimization of water management practices, and enhancement of crop yields. In summary, these sensors are vital in driving informed decision-making and sustainable agricultural practices within the Smart Irrigation System for optimizing agricultural processes.

The "Irrigation" function, following the insights gathered from the "Display Problems" function, assumes a pivotal role in managing water delivery for optimal plant growth. Initially, users receive a catalog listing minimum moisture levels for different plant varieties. This allows them to select and input the appropriate minimum moisture level based on their specific crop types in the soil. Subsequently, users retrieve sensor readings from the "Display Problems" feature and calibrate them to match the designated minimum moisture level. If the current moisture level falls below this established minimum, the system promptly triggers microcontrollers to activate the irrigation pump, providing water for a predetermined duration, typically five seconds. After irrigation, sensors monitor soil moisture levels again, and the system compares them to the minimum threshold. If the moisture level aligns with or exceeds the minimum, irrigation ceases, ensuring efficient water usage and preventing overwatering.

Collaboration is Key

Before jumping into its implementation, we need to make sure that the system fits perfectly with the lives of Rwandan farmers. That's why we'll be closely collaborating with local communities, agricultural experts, everyday farmers, and technology enthusiasts to fine-tune the system to meet the unique needs of farmers. We plan to conduct surveys to learn about the land, the soil, and the usual practices of local farmers and use their ideas to improve our system. This teamwork will make sure our technology fits in smoothly with how farmers already do things. It will ensure their active participation in the system’s deployment. The feedback from the surveys will help us make the Smart Irrigation System just right for Rwandan farmers thus making a big difference.

Sensors, Data, and Connectivity

Next, building the necessary infrastructure to support the Smart Irrigation System is a critical aspect of the implementation plan. This includes the installation of sensors across fields, developing a centralized data processing system, and ensuring connectivity to facilitate real- time monitoring and control.

From Infrastructure to User Adoption

Anticipating challenges is an integral part of our implementation strategy. Whether it's overcoming infrastructure limitations, ensuring the system's resilience in adverse weather conditions, or user adoption, or unforeseen environmental factors, addressing these challenges head-on will be essential for the success of the Smart Irrigation System, developing robust solutions that contribute to the system's long-term sustainability.

The human element is equally vital. Empowering farmers with the skills to leverage the Smart Irrigation System is essential. Training programs will be designed to provide hands-on experience, ensuring that users can confidently navigate the system, interpret data, and make informed decisions. Bridging the digital divide is a priority, emphasizing inclusivity in technology adoption beyond the technical aspects.

A Dynamic Feedback Loop

Once implemented, the Smart Irrigation System will undergo continuous monitoring and evaluation. This iterative process allows for adjustments based on real-world performance and user feedback. A dynamic feedback loop that ensures that the system remains responsive to evolving needs and challenges will be put in place.

One Intelligent Drop at a Time

Although the system has yet to be implemented, its benefits extend far beyond mere automation. With a steadfast focus on water conservation through intelligent control mechanisms, a user-friendly interface, and data-driven insights, the system stands as a beacon of efficiency in agriculture and irrigation. As we anticipate the development of this groundbreaking system, its potential to reshape traditional plant care practices and contribute to a more sustainable future for agriculture becomes increasingly evident. Standing on the brink of prototyping the Smart Irrigation System, I am confronted with the challenge of securing the resources needed to turn my vision into reality.

Recognizing the profound impact this project could have, I am hopeful that Pontem can provide the necessary support to propel the prototyping phase forward. I am confident that we can overcome obstacles and bring this innovative solution to fruition, ushering in a brighter, more prosperous future for agriculture and transforming the landscape of farming in Rwanda and beyond.