Cisco Systems, Inc., a US-based multinational digital communications technology conglomerate in partnering with the ConSenso Project, a unique coalition of Tanzanian espresso farmers and Italian plant and technology researchers to use the Internet of Things (IoT) to help Tanzanian coffee growers boost yields and operate more sustainably amid the challenges of climate change.
This approach has been termed as economically beneficial for the growers, better for the planet, and good news for coffee lovers everywhere.
It allows farmers in the developing world, where water is increasingly scarce due to climate change, achieve optimal growing conditions for coffee production, striking the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
“Climate change has led to a shorter rainy season for growers in Tanzania,” said Dr. Camilla Pandolfi of PNAT, a Florence-based think tank of plant scientists and technology designers. “As a result, they are resorting to irrigation to ensure proper flowering and ripening of the beans, which requires significant water usage.”
In this, the technology is assisting farmers in determining optimal irrigation times and amounts, among other practices.
The Tunasikia Farm in Utengule, Tanzania, has been equipped with 65 solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that gather extensive data on soil, sunlight, climate, carbon capture, insects, and the plants’ electrical energy fields, which can indicate their health and requirements.
After an initial analysis on-site, the data—collected over the past six months—is transmitted to Florence for further examination, supported by Cisco’s networking, security, and cloud technologies.
Scalable solution
According to Angelo Fienga, Cisco’s director of sustainable solutions for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the solution is addressing many challenges and potential advantages.
“One of these challenges we are addressing is preserving the soil and saving water while helping the farmers grow their businesses sustainably since the social and economic aspect is highly relevant to the success of the project,” said Fienga.
Being one of the top 20 coffee-producing countries worldwide, making it crucial to support Tanzanian farmers in overcoming challenging conditions is good for both their success and the nation’s prosperity.
Additionally, the technologies being used in Tanzania have the potential to be expanded and adapted in other regions.
“Many developing nations cultivate coffee in Africa, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, and beyond,” said Massimo Battaglia, coffee research leader at Accademia del Caffè Espresso in Florence, a ConSenso partner. “We aim to introduce this type of solution globally.”
How the system works
Cisco LoRaWAN, a radio-transmission technology known for its long-range data transmission and low energy use, is one of the solutions facilitating the connection of sensors and enabling local preliminary data analysis.
Cisco’s cloud and LTE technologies enhance the secure transfer of data to and from Florence. Additionally, Cisco Webex facilitates real-time, secure collaboration between team members in Tanzania and Florence.
“The technology allows us to interpret the language of plants,” said Michele Festuccia, senior systems engineer manager for Cisco Italy. “This is incredible, and it’s an ideal solution to help farmers achieve greater sustainability and success.”
Simultaneously, the research is investigating how coffee plants can sequester carbon dioxide (CO2), preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
“In addition to other global reforestation initiatives,” said Festuccia, “we believe that coffee plants can play a role in addressing climate change.”
Capturing carbon
Pandolfi thinks that coffee plants, combined with strategically selected shade trees, could be effective in capturing carbon, though further research is required.
“We are currently working on our models and dashboard to monitor carbon,” she explained. “While we have some initial estimates, this aspect will be a fascinating outcome of the project. Our goal is to show how coffee farming can sequester CO2 and aid in removing it from the atmosphere.”
The ConSenso Project offers a wide range of opportunities, from supporting local coffee growers to sequestering carbon to combat climate change. As Battaglia emphasized, the collaboration is a strong combination of partners.
“We possess expertise in coffee,” he said. “We have the financial aspect, the technology of the sensors, and Cisco’s network and cloud technology. Most importantly, we all share the same commitment. Together, it’s an ideal partnership.”
Everyone is eagerly anticipating June when the initial months of data insights will be fully processed and shared, along with the upcoming stages of the project.
“The researchers aim to gather data from three complete growing seasons to truly understand the plants,” Festuccia said.
Further advancements
Fienga is optimistic about the potential achievements with further advancements, such as artificial intelligence.
“With our Cisco technologies and connectivity, we can move large volumes of data,” he said. “AI, when trained effectively, can uncover insights from that data that humans might miss. This is relevant anywhere there is a significant amount of data, including data from plants.”
Another major objective is to extend these solutions beyond coffee, particularly as climate change disrupts agriculture in both developing and developed regions.
“Tracking plant needs can benefit other crops as well,” Pandolfi noted. “As we are based in Italy, our focus is on olive oil production and wine, but these are just two examples. The system could be trained on the biophysical parameters of other crucial crops.”
Or as Battaglia put it, “We simply need to listen to what the plants are telling us.”
