Empowering Smart Farming in Namibia with RAKwireless and Sigmotec
Project Summary
In the vast, remote farmlands of central Namibia, Sigmotec, a company specializing in the Internet of Things (IoT), has transformed the landscape of smart farming. In collaboration with RAKwireless, Sigmotec undertook a groundbreaking project to monitor water systems and livestock using advanced LoRaWAN® technology. The project aimed to enhance livestock safety and optimize water management on a 4,000-hectare farm where traditional connectivity was nonexistent. By deploying GPS ear tags, collars, and LoRaWAN gateways, Sigmotec sought to bring revolutionary change to the agricultural sector in Namibia.
Company Profile
Sigmotec is a pioneering IoT company specializing in smart farming solutions. It was founded by experts with backgrounds in civil, mechanical, and software engineering to address the unique challenges faced by Namibian farmers. The founders, who are also actively involved in livestock farming, bring a wealth of expertise to the industry. Sigmotec officially launched in June 2023 after extensive testing of LoRaWAN technology.
The Challenge
Namibian farms, known for their immense size, often spanning 10,000 to 20,000 hectares, presented a complex set of challenges for farmers. These remote areas suffered from limited or no cellphone coverage, making it difficult to monitor livestock and manage water resources effectively. The project was initiated in response to significant livestock losses caused by leopard attacks on calves. Frequent attacks posed a major threat to the farm's profitability.
RAK Product Used
The Solution
Sigmotec, in collaboration with RAKwireless, devised an innovative solution to address the challenges faced by the farm. Two key components were integral to this transformation:
1. GPS Ear Tags and Spike Collars
Sigmotec implemented GPS ear tags and GPS spike collars to track and protect livestock. The GPS collars were equipped with spikes to deter leopards from attacking calves. These collars featured a GPS device that allowed immediate location tracking in the unfortunate event of a calf being killed, enabling the identification and removal of problem animals.
2. LoRaWAN Technology
With cellphone reception absent in the area, the team deployed a LoRaWAN network using RAKwireless products. The LoRaWAN technology provided broad coverage while remaining cost-effective. This network facilitated real-time monitoring and tracking of cattle via GPS, even in remote regions.
Several key factors drove Sigmotec's choice of RAKwireless and LoRaWAN:
- Competitive pricing, especially for outdoor gateways.
- High product quality and reliable software.
- The remote access capability offered by the WisDM platform.
- The Field Tester was invaluable in ensuring accurate end-node placement and network coverage.
- The flexibility of WisBlock development boards for designing custom solutions, such as a BLE scanner for cattle counting.
Outcome
The impact of this solution has been transformative for both the farm and the broader agricultural industry:
- In the past 15 months, leopard attacks on calves have significantly decreased, with only one incident and zero fatalities, a stark contrast to the frequent calf losses in previous years.
- The GPS ear tags, originally intended for calf tracking, have turned out to be extremely useful for tracking breeding bulls on the farm, thereby enhancing breeding management.
Sigmotec has since landed four new projects slated for October/November 2023, each involving water monitoring systems using RAKwireless devices. These projects are poised to further improve agricultural operations in Namibia and Angola.
The LoRaWAN network, initially set up for cattle tracking, has been expanded to include various other LoRaWAN devices like water and off-grid electricity monitoring sensors, deep well water monitoring, vehicle tracking, a weather station, and a pump and valve automation system. This effectively turns the farm into a smart, interconnected ecosystem.
This trailblazing project was successfully implemented in the remote and expansive farmlands of central Namibia.
Sigmotec, in collaboration with RAKwireless, has leveraged the power of LoRaWAN technology to introduce smart farming to Namibia. By deploying GPS trackers and a comprehensive LoRaWAN network, they not only safeguarded livestock but also revolutionized water management and uplifted the broader agricultural sector. The success of this project sets an encouraging precedent for the future of IoT-driven agriculture in Namibia and beyond.
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