AE-FUNAI Students Invent Smart IoT Farming Machine

A team of innovative students from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has developed a groundbreaking IoT-based automation machine aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The invention, known as the Smart Irrigation and Market Linkage System, is designed to address key challenges in crop production, disease detection, and market access, thereby enhancing the nation’s food value chain.

The system integrates an AI-powered mobile application capable of identifying crop diseases through image recognition technology. By analyzing photos taken with a mobile device, the application detects early signs of diseases, enabling farmers to take timely action to protect their crops. In addition, the system monitors real-time soil moisture levels and weather conditions, providing farmers with the data needed for precision irrigation and optimal crop management.

The project is led by Benjamin Adenola, a student of Mechatronics Engineering, alongside a multidisciplinary team consisting of Usulor Clinton Nnamdi (M.Sc. Agribusiness – Food Value Chain Management), Chukwuemeka Walter (Mechatronics Engineering), Eluu-Vincent Iheomadiri (Human Nutrition and Dietetics), Kekung Engels Ojong (Mechatronics Engineering), and Igwe Ifeanyi Elisha (M.Sc. Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Development).

The solution addresses a major gap in Nigeria’s agricultural system by minimizing crop loss, reducing the misuse of agrochemicals, and improving food quality. By strengthening the production and processing stages of the food value chain, the machine has the potential to enhance food security, improve farmer earnings, and increase competitiveness in agricultural markets.

Despite the technical success, the team encountered challenges, particularly high development costs and limited project timelines. They are calling for government and private sector support to scale the invention for mass adoption.

The Coordinator of the AE-FUNAI CHAIN initiative, Professor Robert Onyeneke, commended the students for their creativity and acknowledged the role of the university in fostering innovation. He highlighted the support of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, and the academic staff who mentored the team throughout the development process.

Vice-Chancellor Elom emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting research that provides practical solutions to national challenges. He noted that the Smart Irrigation and Market Linkage System could play a key role in addressing food insecurity and urged both government and private stakeholders to invest in its development and deployment.

With this invention, AE-FUNAI continues to demonstrate leadership in technology-driven agricultural innovation, offering scalable solutions that could reshape Nigeria’s approach to sustainable farming and food production.