The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing agriculture in Africa by optimizing crop production and sustainability. These technologies address low yields, water scarcity, and agricultural diseases.

Function of IoT sensors in agriculture

IoT sensors play a crucial role in modern agriculture. They collect real-time data on weather, soil, and crop health, enabling farmers to make better-informed decisions and improve their practices.

Types of IoT sensors in agriculture

African farms typically use several types of IoT sensors, each designed for specific tasks:

• Soil Moisture Sensors : Measure the water content in the soil to optimize irrigation.
• Temperature Sensors : Monitor soil and air temperature to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Humidity Sensors : Track humidity levels to prevent mold and diseases.
• Nutrient Sensors : Analyze soil nutrients to determine the need for fertilizers.
• Pest Detection Sensors : Identify the presence of pests to enable timely interventions.

These sensors not only measure but also provide valuable information that can transform agricultural outcomes.

Data collected by IoT sensors

The data from these sensors directly influence crop productivity. IoT technology addresses crucial challenges like food security while creating financial opportunities for farmers.

Connecting IoT sensors to agricultural systems

For IoT sensors to add real value, they must work seamlessly with agricultural systems. These sensors follow a precise process:

• Collect data on the environment and crops
• Transmit data via networks like LoRaWAN (ideal for rural areas due to its long range and low power consumption)
• Process data in the cloud
• Display information on user-friendly dashboards for farmers

The African Center of Excellence in IoT develops solutions tailored to agricultural needs, particularly for early disease detection. These systems can reduce crop losses due to diseases by up to 50 %.

Installing IoT sensors on African farms

Steps to install IoT sensors

Installing IoT sensors on farms requires thoughtful planning and precise placement. The goal is to identify the best locations based on soil type, terrain, and crop distribution.

Process for installing soil moisture sensors:

1. Site Selection and Preparation

• Choose locations that represent the general conditions of the field.
• Consider soil and terrain variations.
• Dig holes 15 to 30 cm deep, which works well for most crops.

2. Sensor Installation

• Insert the sensor probe firmly into the soil to obtain accurate data.
• Carefully fill the hole to avoid leaving air pockets.
• Connect the sensor to a power source and a data logger.

3. Calibration

• Compare sensor readings with actual soil samples to ensure accuracy.
• Calibration makes measurements much more reliable.
• Once the sensors are installed, they must be connected to a reliable network for smooth data collection and transfer.

Connecting sensors to networks

A strong network connection is essential for IoT systems in agriculture. In rural areas, LoRaWAN is a cost-effective option with a long range. In semi-urban and remote areas, cellular and satellite networks are better suited.

The Agri-IoT project combines LoRaWAN and cellular networks to provide reliable connectivity in various agricultural regions. Once the sensors are online, the focus shifts to transforming collected data into actionable insights through user-friendly dashboards.

Setting up data dashboards

Dashboards allow farmers to access real-time data, including:

• Soil moisture levels
• Temperature changes
• Disease risks
• Weather forecasts

To protect sensitive data, it is advisable to use encrypted communications and robust security measures. In areas with limited connectivity, edge computing can process data locally, reducing bandwidth requirements.

Using IoT data to improve crop yields

Analyzing soil and crop data

IoT sensors provide farmers with real-time data on their soils and crops, tracking essential parameters to improve decision-making. For example, most crops thrive when soil moisture is between 50 % and 75 % of field capacity and soil temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C. These are data points IoT sensors can continuously monitor.

Key factors farmers should monitor:

• Soil pH (ideal range 6.0 to 7.0)
• Nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium)
• Leaf moisture (helps assess disease risks)
• Chlorophyll content (indicates overall plant health)

Optimizing irrigation and fertilization

Smart irrigation systems powered by IoT data are transforming agriculture. In South Africa, precision irrigation has reduced water consumption by 30% to 50 %. This approach ensures efficient water use without compromising productivity.

In Kenya, farmers have reduced nitrogen use by 25 %, increased yields by 15 %, and reduced water consumption by 30 %. These systems not only conserve resources but also improve the quality and quantity of harvests.

IoT data also helps farmers decide the ideal time to harvest, ensuring they maximize both yield and quality.

Using predictive analytics for harvesting

In Nigeria, cassava producers using IoT and machine learning have seen post-harvest losses decrease by 20 % and revenues increase by 15%. In Rwanda, coffee producers using similar systems increased their production of premium coffee by 50 %.

These emerging technologies work by combining soil sensor data, weather conditions, and crop maturity. For the best results, farmers can integrate this data with local weather forecasts and market trends to identify ideal harvesting periods.

Challenges and solutions for IoT in African agriculture

Addressing connectivity issues

Connectivity remains a major hurdle for IoT adoption in African agriculture. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 46 % of the region is covered by 4G networks, compared to a global average of 88 %. However, innovative solutions are making a difference. For example, Liquid Telecom has deployed LoRaWAN networks in 22 counties in Kenya, enabling IoT applications even in low cellular coverage areas.

Other connectivity solutions include:

• Satellite IoT services
• Mesh networks and edge computing

Once connectivity issues are addressed, the focus shifts to providing farmers with the knowledge needed to use and maintain these technologies effectively.

Financing IoT for farmers

In 2023, the One Acre Fund connected over 1.5 million farmers to agricultural technologies. To make IoT adoption feasible, several financing options are effective:

• Pay-as-you-go models and microloans tailored to smallholder farmers
• Cooperative purchasing, allowing farmers to share equipment and costs
• Government grants to encourage broader use of technology