A Smart IoT Framework for Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Maize Farming In Uganda (2501.12483v1)

Abstract: This study provides a framework that incorporates the Internet of Things (IoT) technology into maize farming activities in Central Uganda as a solution to various challenges including climate change, sub-optimal resource use and low crop yields. Using IoT-based modeling and simulation, the presented solution recommends cost-effective and efficient approaches to irrigation, crop yield improvement enhancement and prevention of drinking water loss while being practical for smallholder farmers. The framework is developed in a manner that is appropriate for low resource use regions by using local strategies that are easily understandable and actionable for the farmers thus solving the issue of technology access and social economic constraints. Research in this area brought to light the promise that the IoT holds for the evolution of agriculture into a more data-informed, climate-smart sector, contributes to the much-needed food in the world, is economically viable, facilitates sustainable rural development and is a huge step for the agriculture modernization of Uganda.

• The paper proposes a smart IoT framework for climate-resilient maize farming in Uganda, utilizing low-cost sensors and cloud platforms.
• The system achieved significant results, including a 27.3% reduction in water usage and a 22% increase in maize yield in Central Uganda.
• Designed for accessibility, the framework features a low cost ($50), local language support via SMS/WhatsApp, and high reliability for smallholder farmers.

Smart IoT Framework for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Uganda

The paper "A Smart IoT Framework for Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Maize Farming in Uganda" presents a comprehensive paper on the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in maize farming in Central Uganda. The framework aims to tackle key agricultural challenges including climate change, water resource inefficiencies, and inadequate crop yields by introducing a technologically-driven approach tailored for the socio-economic conditions of Ugandan smallholder farmers.

The backbone of the proposed system consists of low-cost environmental sensors (e.g., FC-28 soil moisture sensors and DHT22 temperature-humidity sensors), an ESP32 microcontroller, and efficient communication protocols such as MQTT. The system facilitates real-time data collection on critical environmental parameters like soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, which are essential for precise irrigation management. Data is transmitted to the ThingSpeak cloud platform for analysis, enabling timely irrigation advice, transmitted to farmers' mobile devices via SMS and WhatsApp in both English and Luganda. This allows accessibility despite potential language barriers and technological literacy challenges.

Key performance metrics from the paper demonstrate significant potential for resource efficiency and productivity improvements. Specifically, the proposed system achieves a 27.3% reduction in water usage, surpassing the initial 25% target, and delivers a 22% enhancement in maize yield. Additionally, the framework exhibits a data transmission success rate of 98% and an energy efficiency improvement of 15% over traditional systems, demonstrating its viability in resource-constrained settings typical of rural Uganda.

The framework is notable for its low cost—approximately $50 per farm—making it accessible for smallholder farmers. The use of local languages for communication and the integration of user-friendly applications increase the likelihood of adoption. The system aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 goals of agricultural modernization and food security, addressing barriers to technology access typical in Sub-Saharan Africa.

By incorporating Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the paper underscores key attributes relevant to adoption: relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and observability. The IoT framework is designed to be adaptable, technically straightforward, and scalable, ensuring high compatibility with local agronomic practices and ease of use for farmers with varying levels of technological literacy.

Comparatively, the Ugandan system aligns closely with similar IoT agricultural implementations in other regions, such as Kenya and India, though it emphasizes cost-effectiveness and local adaptability. The outcomes reinforce the application of low-bandwidth, energy-efficient communication via MQTT, further validating its use in agriculture under limited connectivity conditions.

A critical direction for future research involves field trials to evaluate system performance in diverse agro-ecological contexts, the exploration of solar-powered sensor integration, and collaboration with policymakers to facilitate wide-scale adoption. Additionally, expanding data analytic capabilities to include predictive modeling could enhance decision support and further optimize resource use.

In conclusion, the IoT-based framework presents a practical and efficient approach to enhancing climate resilience and agricultural productivity for maize farmers in Uganda. Through the strategic use of technology, it not only addresses immediate agricultural challenges but also contributes to broader objectives in sustainable rural development and food security.