The goal of this project is to design and develop a cost-effective, sensor-based smart irrigation system that leverages real-time soil moisture data to optimize water usage for smallholder farms. This system aims to reduce water waste, increase crop productivity, and provide a scalable solution that supports sustainable agricultural practices in resource-constrained rural areas. By integrating accessible technology, the project empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions, ultimately improving food security and livelihoods.

Project Outcomes:

1. A functional prototype of a smart irrigation system using affordable sensors and microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi).
2. A user-friendly interface (mobile or web-based) for monitoring soil moisture and controlling irrigation remotely.
3. Field-simulated testing results and analysis of the system’s efficiency.
4. A final project report and presentation detailing the design, implementation, and recommendations for deployment in real-world settings.

Deliverables:

System Design Documentation:

• Hardware and software architecture
• Component selection and justification
• Wiring diagrams and code repositories

Working Prototype:

• Soil moisture sensors, microcontroller, water pump/valve system
• Demonstration video or live demonstration

User Interface:

• Dashboard to display sensor data
• Controls for irrigation timing/manual override

Testing & Evaluation Report:

• Simulated field tests (e.g., using planters or controlled environment)
• Performance metrics (e.g., water saved, responsiveness)

Final Project Report:

• Executive summary
• Full documentation (methodology, challenges, solutions)
• Suggestions for scalability and real-world application

Presentation Slide Deck:

• Summary of the entire project, outcomes, and learnings
• Visuals from prototype and testing phases