Smallholder farmers in WestNile sub region face mounting challenges due to climate change, including erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and dwindling water resources. In response, a collaborative team led by Kulika Uganda, YSAT, and A bio-technology representative – Carolina Fejgielman from Massachusetts Institute of Technology were recently hosted by PALM Corps’ Siripi Innovation center in Rhino Camp refugee settlement. They visited rural farming communities to explore how solar-powered irrigation systems could be optimized and automated following the first visit which was aimed at identifying challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The goal? To design solutions that empower farmers to use water efficiently, reduce labor, and sustain food production despite climate pressures.

During the first co-creation field visit, the team observed that existing irrigation systems rely heavily on manual operation and inconsistent solar energy. Farmers often struggle to maintain soil moisture levels critical for crop growth, especially during dry spells. This sparked a pivotal question: How can automation and smarter energy storage transform these systems into reliable, climate-resilient tools? 

A typical manually operated solar-powered irrigation system

The team’s initial insights led to actionable ideas brainstormed during a 2 days bootcamp in Arua city, including soil moisture sensors paired with solar infrastructure and innovations in power storage. To unpack these developments, we sat down with Androdri Vincent, Agro-Ecology Assistant at PALM Corps, who played a key role in the field visit. 

The Interview 

Communication Officer (CO): Androdri, thank you for joining us. What was the primary purpose of this co-creation visit? 

Androdri Vincent (AV): Thank you for having me! The visit aimed to bridge the gap between smallholder farmers’ needs and technological innovation. Climate change is disrupting traditional farming practices, and manual irrigation systems are no longer sufficient. By collaborating with farmers, engineers, and researchers, we wanted to co-design solutions that are both practical and scalable—starting with automating solar-powered irrigation. 

CO: What key insights did the team gain from interacting with the community? 

AV: Farmers emphasized how unpredictable weather patterns force them to ration water, often sacrificing crop yields. They also highlighted the limitations of current solar systems, which lack storage and can’t operate during cloudy days or at night. This reinforced our focus on two priorities: automation to optimize water use and energy storage to ensure uninterrupted power. 

Carolina and the co-creation team interacting with a youth at Siripi innovation centre in Rhino camp refugee settlement – Terego District

CO: Will these priorities address these challenges? 

AV: Automation allows the system to respond dynamically to real-time conditions. For instance, installing soil moisture monitors under solar panels would enable the system to release water only when needed. This prevents overwatering, conserves resources, and maintains ideal soil moisture levels for crops—something manual systems struggle to achieve consistently. 

CO: Can you explain the role of the proposed moisture sensors? 

AV: Absolutely. These sensors would be buried at root-level depths across the farm. They’d continuously measure soil moisture and communicate with the solar irrigation system. If levels drop below a set threshold, the system activates, pumping water until optimal moisture is restored. This “smart” approach reduces waste and labor while boosting crop resilience. 

CO: What about the issue of energy storage? 

AV: Solar panels alone can’t guarantee 24/7 operation, especially during periods of low sunlight. That’s why part of our ongoing research focuses on affordable battery storage or alternative energy buffers. Reliable storage would let farmers irrigate at night or on cloudy days, maximizing both water and solar efficiency. 

CO: Were there any surprises or challenges during the visit? 

AV: One challenge is ensuring these technologies remain affordable and easy to maintain. Farmers stressed the importance of simplicity—systems must be durable and repairable with locally available tools. Another surprise was their enthusiasm for co-design; they shared creative ideas, like using sensors to alert them via mobile phones. It’s a reminder that sustainable solutions must be collaborative. 

CO: What’s next for the project? 

AV: We’re prototyping the moisture-sensor integration and testing different energy storage options. Longer-term, we aim to pilot a full-scale automated system within the next 6–8 months. Beyond technology, we’ll keep engaging farmers through workshops to ensure the designs meet their needs. 

CO: Any final message to smallholder farmers reading this? 

AV: Your voices are driving this innovation. Climate change is daunting, but through partnerships and creativity, we can build tools that give you control over your resources. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in harmony with the environment. 

 

Looking Ahead 

The co-creation process exemplifies how blending agro-ecology with cutting-edge technology can yield climate-smart solutions. As the team refines its prototypes, the focus remains on accessibility, sustainability, and community ownership.