Smart Greenhouse Farming in Bugesera – Precision Agriculture in a Water-Scarce Region
How tecGrw and Imbaraga Farmers’ Organization transformed smallholder farming in Bugesera District through smart greenhouses, precision agriculture, and farmer training — achieving 85% water savings and record yields.
The Challenge
Bugesera District, especially Kamabuye sector, has long faced harsh agricultural conditions: semi-arid climate, persistent water scarcity, degraded soils, and low productivity. Traditional farming methods had become unsustainable and unprofitable for smallholder farmers.
Our Solution
In early 2025, tecGrw and Imbaraga constructed a 240 m² smart greenhouse in Kamabuye sector. The greenhouse included:
- Solar-powered automated drip irrigation
- GSM-enabled remote surveillance systems
- Real-time sensors monitoring soil moisture, temperature, humidity, pH, EC, NPK, and CO₂
- Remote monitoring and management via GSM/mobile
The project also integrated INM (Integrated Nutrient Management) and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for sustainability, and trained 50+ farmers to use the technologies, interpret data, and make data-driven crop decisions.
Results & Impact
- First harvest cycle (June 2025): 700+ kg of green peppers in 6 weeks
- Achieved 85% water savings compared to open-field farming
- Increased farmer income via high-quality, year-round production
- Built digital literacy and technical capacity among local farmers
- Strengthened resilience to climate variability