Background of the study:
Agriculture is highly dependent on accurate weather forecasting, and in Minna LGA, Niger State, farmers often rely on outdated meteorological methods that fail to provide timely and precise information. Unpredictable weather patterns, resulting from climate change, exacerbate the challenges of planning agricultural activities, leading to reduced crop yields and financial losses. IoT-based smart weather forecasting systems present an innovative solution by integrating sensor networks, real-time data collection, and advanced analytics to offer accurate, localized weather predictions (Ibrahim, 2023). These systems deploy a range of sensors that monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, transmitting the data to centralized platforms where machine learning algorithms analyze trends and predict weather conditions with high precision (Okafor, 2024). The real-time nature of IoT data allows for rapid dissemination of weather alerts, enabling farmers to adjust planting schedules, irrigation practices, and harvest times accordingly (Chukwu, 2025). Moreover, smart weather forecasting systems can be integrated with mobile applications, ensuring that farmers receive timely notifications and actionable insights directly on their devices. This technological advancement not only enhances agricultural planning but also contributes to improved resource management and reduced vulnerability to weather-related risks. By providing localized and accurate forecasts, IoT-based systems empower farmers in Minna LGA to make informed decisions, mitigate the adverse effects of weather fluctuations, and ultimately increase productivity and income. The implementation of such systems represents a critical advancement in precision agriculture, supporting sustainable farming practices and economic resilience in the region.
Statement of the problem:
Farmers in Minna LGA face significant challenges due to the lack of accurate and timely weather forecasts, which hinders effective agricultural planning and resource management. Traditional forecasting methods are often generalized and outdated, failing to capture the localized weather variations that critically impact crop growth and irrigation needs (Aminu, 2023). This uncertainty forces farmers to rely on guesswork when scheduling planting and harvesting, leading to suboptimal crop yields and increased vulnerability to weather extremes. The absence of real-time data further prevents farmers from taking proactive measures to protect their crops from unexpected adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or prolonged droughts (Ibrahim, 2024). In addition, the limited accessibility of reliable meteorological information exacerbates the risk of financial loss and food insecurity among the farming community. These challenges underscore the need for an IoT-based smart weather forecasting system that can provide localized, real-time weather data and predictive insights. Such a system would empower farmers to optimize their agricultural practices, enhance irrigation management, and mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns (Olusegun, 2025). Without this technological intervention, the agricultural productivity and economic stability of farmers in Minna LGA will remain severely compromised.
Objectives of the study:
To design an IoT-based smart weather forecasting system for real-time agricultural applications.
To evaluate the system’s effectiveness in providing accurate localized weather predictions.
To develop recommendations for integrating the system into existing farming practices in Minna LGA.
Research questions:
How effective is the IoT-based weather forecasting system in predicting localized weather conditions?
What impact does real-time weather data have on improving agricultural decision-making?
How can the system be integrated with current farming practices to enhance crop management?
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it explores the use of IoT technology to provide accurate, localized weather forecasts, thereby empowering farmers in Minna LGA to make informed decisions and improve agricultural productivity. The findings will benefit the farming community by reducing crop losses, optimizing resource management, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience.
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the design and implementation of IoT-based smart weather forecasting systems for farmers in Minna LGA, Niger State. It does not extend to other agricultural technologies or regions.
Definitions of terms:
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that share real-time data.
Smart Weather Forecasting: The use of sensor-based technology and data analytics to predict weather conditions accurately.
Precision Agriculture: Farming management based on observing, measuring, and responding to inter and intra-field variability in crops.
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