A group of junior high school students in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region have developed a prototype “smart farm” system aimed at addressing the growing challenge of dry farmlands caused by erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.
The innovation was unveiled at the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of the Telecel DigiTech Academy, where about 500 students from across the country showcased practical solutions developed during a three-month training programme in robotics and coding.
The project, designed by a team from Peki Blengo Evangelical Presbyterian Junior High School, responds directly to the environmental pressures affecting farming communities in Peki and its environs, where prolonged dry spells have made cultivation increasingly difficult, particularly during the dry season.
Leading the team, Ruth Martey explained that the idea was inspired by the daily struggles of farmers in their community, many of whom depend on rainfall for their livelihoods. She noted that unreliable rainfall patterns have significantly affected crop yields, prompting the students to explore a technological solution.
The prototype integrates an automated irrigation system capable of drawing water from underground sources or nearby water bodies. It is programmed to activate when soil moisture levels drop below a certain threshold, ensuring that crops receive adequate water without manual intervention. The system also incorporates a lighting feature to illuminate farms at night and deter animals that often destroy crops under the cover of darkness.
Local farmer Evans Owusu, who has spent over two decades cultivating cassava, plantain and cocoa, said the students’ innovation reflects the realities confronting farmers in the area. He indicated that delayed rains have become increasingly common, disrupting planting cycles and reducing output. According to him, a fully developed version of the system could significantly improve productivity and incomes if adopted widely.
The smart farm formed part of a broader exhibition of student-led innovations, including security alarm systems, e-commerce applications, rain detection devices and other agricultural tools. Participants were drawn from 19 schools across five regions, highlighting the growing reach of the programme.
The headteacher of Peki Blengo EP JHS, Vincent Adzagbenu, said the initiative had strengthened students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities, adding that such hands-on learning approaches were essential in preparing young people for future careers in science and technology.
The Telecel DigiTech Academy, implemented in collaboration with the Mingo Foundation and Asustem Robotics, and in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the National STEM Centre, is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. Students are trained in areas such as Scratch programming, Arduino-based robotics and basic web development, before applying their skills to real-life community challenges.
Although projects such as the smart farm remain at the prototype stage, stakeholders say they demonstrate the potential of technology-driven solutions to address local problems if supported with further development, funding and testing.
Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, said the programme was focused on equipping young people with digital skills to create tangible solutions while inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.
She added that the initiative prioritises gender inclusion, with girls accounting for about 70 per cent of participants nationwide, and includes training for teachers to ensure continuity and long-term impact in beneficiary schools.
Since its launch in 2024, the Telecel DigiTech Academy has trained more than 2,300 students across 13 regions, with plans to expand its reach in subsequent cohorts as part of efforts to nurture a new generation of problem-solvers.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
