By Faridat Salifu
Students in Uganda have developed a solar-powered smart irrigation system and a multipurpose poultry feed-making machine aimed at helping farmers reduce production costs and improve agricultural productivity.
The innovations were developed by students participating in the Stanbic National Schools Championship, which seeks to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.
At Kyebambe Girls Secondary School, a team led by Senior Three student Marian Hazel Rusa developed EduFarm, a smart irrigation system designed to automate the watering of crops.
The system uses solar energy and a microcontroller to regulate irrigation, allowing crops to be watered without constant human supervision while reducing water wastage.
Rusa said the innovation was developed in response to challenges faced by farmers, particularly the need for reliable irrigation amid changing agricultural conditions.
The school’s headteacher, Ruth Kwesiga, expressed interest in adopting the technology on her farm, saying her existing solar-powered irrigation system still requires manual operation.
Meanwhile, students at Sedes Sapientia Academia in Kazo District developed a multipurpose poultry feed-making machine designed to help farmers process feed at a lower cost.
The machine can chop and grind different feed materials, allowing poultry farmers to process their own feed instead of depending entirely on commercially processed alternatives.
Student Steven Turyamwesiimire said the innovation could reduce poultry feeding costs by about 60 per cent while improving farmers’ monthly returns.
The students said their innovations were developed to address practical challenges faced by farmers while making agricultural technologies more affordable and accessible.
The projects also highlight the potential of youth-led innovation to support climate-smart agriculture through renewable energy, efficient water use and improved farm resource management.
The students’ teams from the western region are expected to participate in the grand finale of the Stanbic National Schools Championship on August 28, 2026.
Source :Monitor.co
