Farmers in Apac District, Northern Uganda, have expressed their strong support for a new project aimed at integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into local agricultural practices.

One of the farms visited during the survay

Mr. Fiorentino Ogwang, a member of Bedigen farmers group, said the project comes at an opportune time when climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture globally, including in Uganda. He believes the initiative will help farmers adapt to changing conditions and improve their farming practices. Similarly,

Ms. Popia Ogwang, another farmer from the group, emphasized the need for the project’s swift implementation, noting that the IoT technology would help farmers make informed decisions about crop planning and cultivation, leading to better yields and improved market opportunities.

This enthusiasm comes in response to a recent survey conducted as part of a broader initiative led by NURIN, with support from the Internet Society and technical assistance from netLabs!UG.

The project, titled “Enhancing the Reliability and Adoption of the Rural Community Broadband Network,” aims to expand and improve the reliability and sustainability of the Rural Community Broadband Network (RCBN) established in Apac District in 2023. A key aspect of this initiative is to develop an IoT application specifically for agriculture to support local farmers in enhancing productivity and managing environmental challenges.

Objectives of the Survey

The survey was conducted with the following objectives:

1. Introduce Project Goals: To visit a farmers’ group and introduce the project’s goals and objectives, seeking to enroll them as partners.
2. Gather Essential Data: To collect statistics and information on commonly planted crops, the type of sensors needed, and direction for the design of the hardware required for the IoT application.

Key Findings and Proposals

The survey yielded several crucial findings that will guide the next steps in the project:

1. Farm Locations and Coordinates: The survey provided specific farm locations and coordinates necessary for the effective deployment of the IoT application across different areas in the district.
2. IoT Application Design Proposals: Two potential designs for the IoT application were proposed:
   • Handheld Device: A shareable handheld device among farmers, providing a cost-effective and straightforward solution for data collection and monitoring.
   • LoRaWAN Network: A LoRaWAN network with nodes placed on one of the farms and a gateway installed at the RCBN connection point at the Bedigen farmers group. This design was recommended due to the dense vegetation that can obstruct typical Wi-Fi signals but not the long-range capabilities of LoRaWAN.
3. Expansion of RCBN Membership: The project also aims to expand the RCBN from 12 to 13 members by adding an ICT hub. This expansion will enhance the network’s sustainability and diversify its capabilities, further supporting agricultural innovation.
4. Value of Farmer Group Partnership: The Bedigen farmers group’s partnership in the RCBN has added significant value to the project by facilitating easier access to farms. However, the survey also highlighted the need to onboard more farmer groups to increase diversity and strengthen the IoT application’s reach and effectiveness.

Moving Forward

The support from Bedigen farmers underscores the potential impact of this project on local agricultural practices. With NURIN’s leadership, the backing of the Internet Society, and technical guidance from netLabs!UG, the project is poised to significantly enhance the reliability and adoption of the Rural Community Broadband Network. By integrating IoT technology and fostering robust local partnerships, by leveraging cutting-edge technology and local expertise, this project seeks to transform agriculture in Uganda, offering new tools and opportunities to farmers facing the challenges of climate change and market access