African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6894

Article in Press

Sensors Empowering Small-scale Crop Farmers: Enhancing Precision Agriculture Through Wireless Sensor Networks and ICT

Phumla P. DLAMINI, Tinashe CHIZEMA, Darelle VAN GREUNEN and Swelihle MSOMI

  •  Received: 02 May 2024
  •  Accepted: 11 October 2024
This article discusses the pivotal role of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing agricultural productivity globally, with a focus on developing economies. Developed by the Centre for Community Technology (CCT), iOS and Android applications facilitate control and monitoring of hardware projects via WSNs, specifically designed for Precision Agriculture like smart greenhouse monitoring and energy-to-motion conversion. The IoT sensor network operates on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), aiming to optimize fertilizer application, watering, and crop harvest through precise recommendations. Emphasizing soil parameters—moisture, pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity—the study integrates proprietary tools and open-source libraries. Real-time data collection, occurring every 10 minutes, feeds into a cloud-based system for storage and visualization, processed via an IoT platform accessible through mobile apps. Addressing African agriculture's unique challenges—smallholder farming, resource limitations, and climate variability—the research pioneers cost-effective soil monitoring systems tailored for local adoption. This initiative underscores ICT's transformative potential in overcoming barriers to technological access, supporting sustainable agricultural practices across African contexts.

Keywords: small-scale crop farmers, Internet of things, wireless sensor networks, precision agriculture