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Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Farming

The MUST UCoBS Project 3 Workshop at Rwenjeru Farm

MUST-IUC UCoBS project recently hosted an innovative workshop at Rwenjeru Farm in Mbarara City, as part of Project Three, which is focused on improving access to renewable energy. This workshop brought together students from various academic backgrounds—such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, and Agriculture and Livelihoods to tackle the farm's challenges with renewable energy solutions.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Johnes Obonguloch, Project Three's leader, Dr. Imelda Kemeza, and Dr. Manasseh Tumuhimbise (also the leader of Project Five), alongside Duncan, Rwenjeru Farm’s general manager. Duncan provided an overview of the farm's operations, highlighting issues like power storage limitations, high labor costs, and the absence of a robust information management system.

Dr. Imelda facilitating on self-efficacy, self-aggression, self-esteem and self-motivation for innovators.

Participants then surveyed the farm, identifying additional problems like inefficient water use and the need for affordable solar energy alternatives. This hands-on approach allowed students to understand the farm's challenges, leading to ideation sessions.

Dr. Tumuhimbise facilitated the development of innovative solutions using the design thinking methodology, guiding students through empathizing, defining problems, ideating, and prototyping. Working collaboratively, the students refined problem statements and proposed renewable energy-focused solutions.

The student teams developed several innovative concepts:

  • Agri Track: An AI-driven farm information management system incorporating weather forecasting.
  • Mobile Animal Management App: An application for farm animal management and rapid disease detection.
  • Manual Planter: A cost-effective tool to reduce labor costs.
  • Nutri Meter: A device to measure soil nutrient levels, optimizing manure application.
  • Kinetic Energy Harvesting: A system to capture energy from high-traffic areas.
  • Automated Sprinkler System: An affordable, automated irrigation solution.
A group picture of the facilitators, farm director Mr. Martin (on a hat) and the students pose with their certificates after the workshop.

Mr. Martin Bananura, the farm's executive director, shared insights on innovative agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of technology adoption.

In the future, we foresee significant collaborative efforts between Project 3 and Project 5, aimed at fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies like Kinetic Energy Harvesting and the Automated Sprinkler System. Project 5, which focuses on boosting youth employability through practical experience and technology transfer, will be dedicated to empowering these young innovators as they strive to realize their innovations. We are excited to support these youth innovators in their endeavors to bring their ideas to life.