Regarding the downsizing of living labs, it was explained that simple sensors can help anticipate issues with water tanks. These simple sensors are readily accessible and are currently being used to predict problems in water tanks, such as oxygen depletion and ammonia levels.
Partner Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (DALF) has started activities to improve communication amongst farmers and enhance agricultural productivity. In Uganda, agricultural professionals have already started using various applications to exchange insights and solutions.
Regarding stakeholder training, it was agreed that the communication approach would be tailored based on the target audience, including farmers, students, and advisors. The primary objective of the training is to engage a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The curriculum will include Training of Trainers (TOT) and modules for scaling dissemination.
The TOT concept emphasises that trainers should have access to advisors or entrepreneurs for support. Extension services, whether public or non-governmental organisations, are essential in promoting best practices. Practical activities will be a significant focus, particularly considering the limited education levels of many farmers. The training program will prioritise 80% practical training and 20% theoretical instruction.
The meeting included a workshop on Agroecological Farming Applications conducted by Maribor University, focusing on developing the Decision Support Tool. The workshop delved into the application’s functionalities, leading to a thorough discussion of several key points.
Data collection methods such as sensors, satellite technology, or manual techniques were discussed. In cases where sensors are unavailable, alternative approaches may be utilised, particularly for resource-constrained entities like farmers, enabling data acquisition through other means.
It is essential to consider the pertinent outputs to gain insights into the most significant outputs for farmers. For instance, factors such as the colour and transparency of water serve as manual data points that can be documented.
The platform not only facilitates data collection but also has the potential to forecast future data trends and conditions, offering valuable insights for farmers. The application’s value is derived from its capacity to address issues, which can translate into economic benefits.
The conclusion drawn from the discussions around the PrAEctiCe Decision Support Tool is that the initial version should undergo testing in the Living Labs (LL), and a more in-depth analysis of the gender dimension will be conducted to ensure inclusivity.
During this gathering, the partners had the opportunity to visit the project’s third Living Lab at the Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) Farmer Training Centre in Vianzi on the final day. This field visit provided an opportunity to observe the state-of-the-art, integrated agroecology systems being implemented under the PrAEctiCe project, aimed at fostering sustainable farming practices in East Africa.
The lab’s key innovation was the implementation of Floating Photovoltaics, which involves the installation of solar panels on floating structures. This method enables renewable energy generation to power pumps, aerators, and sensors, thus significantly enhancing sustainability efforts.
The Aquaculture Systems integrate Tilapia fishponds with crop irrigation, showcasing efficient nutrient recycling and oxygen aeration, all powered by solar energy. Additionally, the system enables a comparative analysis of the impact of natural fertilisation from poultry waste and untreated ponds.
Solar-powered pumps have been identified as an effective means of recycling enriched water from fishponds to irrigate crops such as onions and Swiss chard. This demonstrates a circular water-energy-nutrient nexus. Additionally, integrating poultry and crops involves utilising chicken droppings as a natural fertiliser for the fishponds, thereby establishing a sustainable, symbiotic farming system.
Under the leadership of Ms. Janet Maro from SAT, this innovative system serves as a testament to the scalability of agroecology across East Africa, offering smallholder farmers access to renewable energy, efficient water utilisation, and integrated farming solutions. The visit provided valuable insights into the practical application of the innovations discussed during the PrAEctiCe meeting in Dar es Salaam. It sparked discussions on the potential replication at the project’s living labs in Kenya and Uganda.