Background of the study
Urban farming has emerged as a sustainable solution to address food security challenges while promoting environmental conservation in densely populated areas. In Sokoto South LGA, traditional urban agriculture practices often face limitations such as inefficient resource usage and a lack of precise monitoring of growing conditions. IoT-based smart eco-friendly urban farming systems offer a transformative approach by integrating sensors, automated irrigation, and data analytics to optimize plant growth in urban settings (Adebola, 2023). These systems continuously monitor parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light intensity, enabling farmers to make real-time adjustments that enhance crop yield and resource efficiency. The technology not only supports sustainable agriculture but also reduces the environmental impact through optimized water and fertilizer usage (Ibrahim, 2024). By providing precise data and predictive insights, these systems can help urban farmers transition from traditional methods to more innovative, eco-friendly practices. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar power to run these systems promotes overall sustainability and reduces operational costs. The real-time monitoring capabilities allow for immediate detection of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, facilitating prompt interventions that mitigate losses. This data-driven approach to urban farming aligns with global trends toward smart agriculture and sustainable urban development. However, challenges such as high initial setup costs, the complexity of integrating various sensor technologies, and ensuring reliable connectivity in urban micro-environments remain significant obstacles. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of IoT-based smart eco-friendly urban farming systems in Sokoto South LGA, evaluating their impact on crop productivity, resource conservation, and environmental sustainability. It also seeks to identify the technical and economic barriers to widespread adoption and propose strategies to overcome these challenges (Adebola, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Urban farmers in Sokoto South LGA face numerous challenges stemming from inefficient resource management and a lack of real-time data to guide agricultural practices. Traditional urban farming methods often lead to inconsistent crop yields, excessive water and fertilizer use, and delayed responses to pest infestations or nutrient deficiencies. These issues not only affect productivity but also contribute to environmental degradation. Although IoT-based urban farming systems provide real-time monitoring and precise control of growing conditions, their adoption is limited by high implementation costs, technical complexity, and challenges related to integrating diverse sensor data. Furthermore, the absence of reliable connectivity in certain urban micro-environments impedes continuous data transmission, reducing the effectiveness of these systems (Ibrahim, 2024). These factors hinder the potential for urban farming systems to contribute to food security and sustainable development in the region. This study seeks to address these gaps by evaluating the operational performance of IoT-based eco-friendly urban farming systems and identifying critical technical, economic, and infrastructural barriers. The research will examine how real-time data can optimize resource usage and improve crop yields, and it will propose strategies to overcome the challenges associated with system integration and maintenance. The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive framework that enhances urban farming practices while promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability in Sokoto South LGA (Adebola, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
To evaluate the performance of IoT-based urban farming systems in improving crop productivity.
To identify technical and economic challenges in system implementation.
To propose strategies for optimizing resource use and system sustainability.
Research questions
How do IoT-based systems enhance resource efficiency in urban farming?
What technical barriers limit the effectiveness of these systems?
How can economic challenges be mitigated to promote wider adoption?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it investigates innovative IoT-based solutions to enhance urban farming practices in Sokoto South LGA. The findings will support urban farmers, policymakers, and technology developers in optimizing resource usage, improving crop yields, and promoting sustainable agriculture, ultimately contributing to enhanced food security and environmental conservation (Adebola, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to IoT-based urban farming systems in Sokoto South LGA. Limitations include high initial costs, sensor integration challenges, and connectivity issues.
Definitions of terms
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that exchange real-time data.
Urban Farming System: An agricultural system adapted to urban environments.
Eco-Friendly: Practices that minimize environmental harm and promote sustainability.
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