A decision support tool for greenhouse farmers in low-resource settings

Aya Bseiso, Brett Abele, Shae Ferguson, Peter Lusch, Khanjan Mehta

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Affordable greenhouses have been proven to substantially increase crop yields by allowing farmers to grow year-round while, at the same time, decreasing water consumption. These benefits translate to improved livelihoods and food security for urban farmers and improved nutrition for their rural counterparts in resource-constrained areas. Accordingly, affordable greenhouses have been introduced to experienced and novice farmers in Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, Mozambique, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. Across these countries with different horticultural traditions, educational infrastructure and agricultural extension systems, there is a distinct knowledge gap on the basics of greenhouse farming. Even those who have previous farming experience need to rethink their strategies in order to transition more efficiently from conventional open-air farming to greenhouse farming. This problem has created the need for a comprehensive and context-appropriate decision-support tool to guide farmers through a series of questions across four phases of greenhouse operations: preparation, planting, nurturing, and harvesting. This article describes a highly visual decision support tool that educates farmers about important considerations and helps them make informed horticultural decisions. It also provides case studies for commonly grown produce like tomatoes, bell peppers and greens. This tool can be deployed on a computer, a tablet, or even a three-ring binder, and has been co-developed with, and validated by, farmer groups in Zambia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 5th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages292-297
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781467365611
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2 2015
Event5th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2015 - Seattle, United States
Duration: Oct 8 2015Oct 11 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 5th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2015

Other

Other5th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period10/8/1510/11/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Health(social science)
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Development
  • Education

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