IMPLEMENTING A COST-EFFECTIVE SOIL MONITORING SYSTEM USING WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS TO ENHANCE FARMING PRACTICES FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN DEVELOPING ECONOMY COUNTRIES

Small-scale farmers in Africa often face challenges in monitoring soil and environmental parameters essential for informed agricultural decision-making. This study addresses this issue by developing a cost-effective soil monitoring system utilizing Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Our approach integrates real-time data analysis and visualization components to offer timely insights into soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop development, thereby enhancing agricultural decision-making processes. While commercial soil monitoring systems exist, their high cost presents a barrier to widespread adoption, particularly in African contexts. To address this issue, our proposed system utilizes WSN sensor nodes transmitting data to a central database via Arduinos functioning as web servers. This innovative approach extends monitoring capabilities to remote areas beyond the reach of individual nodes, thus promoting accessibility and affordability through the utilization of open-source software. In conclusion, our study aims to revolutionize farming practices in Africa by providing an affordable solution that empowers farmers with actionable insights for optimized agricultural outcomes, thereby aligning with the distinctive African perspective on the theory and practice of information systems.