FarmSense Device Launched to Support Smallholder Farmers in Ghana
The Distributed IoT-Platforms, Privacy and Edge-Intelligence Research (DIPPER Lab) at KNUST, in partnership with Sesi Technologies, has launched the FarmSense Commercialisation and Capacity-Building Programme to equip smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with tools to improve farm productivity and efficiency.
FarmSense combines three core products into one soil intelligence platform, offering real-time soil analysis, crop recommendations, and nutrient planning.
The platform is designed to help farmers increase yields, reduce input costs, and make informed farming decisions.
The launch was held under the theme: “From Research to Action: Advancing Agriculture in Ghana Through Industry-Academia Collaborations.”
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, said the Ministry is committed to facilitating the technology’s adoption across farming communities.
“To ensure this technology reaches those who need it most, the Ministry will support collaboration between the developers of FarmSense and our agri-extension agents
“We will provide a platform to scale its impact nationwide,” he said.
He encouraged local innovators to continue developing practical solutions to address challenges faced by farmers.
Also present was the Deputy Director General of the National Communications Authority, Mr. Salifu Suleman, who pledged the Authority’s readiness to deepen collaboration with KNUST, DIPPER Lab, Sesi Technologies, and all partners.
“Together, we can ensure that every farm, from the northern savannah to the coastal plains, is connected to this digital future
“Innovation must be inclusive, and our task is to ensure farmers in remote areas benefit equally,” he noted.
Provost of the College of Engineering at KNUST, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, called for greater support from the NCA to protect and scale local innovation.
“If we cannot manufacture the product here, we must protect it. The NCA must support our engineers when they come up with designs so we can print and build them locally,” he adviced.
Prof. Abigail Opoku Mensah from the Ghana National Research Fund highlighted the importance of university-industry collaboration in turning ideas into enterprises.
“Together, we can build a vibrant ecosystem where ideas are nurtured, technologies are developed, and enterprises emerge to power Ghana’s economic transformation,” she said.
Dr. Mohammed Al Khalidi stressed the importance of applied research.
“FarmSense reminds us that research must not remain in journals or labs. This technology turns academic knowledge into practical tools that improve productivity and support food security,” he said.
Dr. Tristan Eagling, Climate, Nature and Food Security Advisor at the British High Commission, addressed the broader context of climate challenges.
“Innovation is essential to addressing climate change, pest pressures, and food security. FarmSense is a clear example of how research and technology can offer practical solutions,” he said.
Richard Lamb and John Clayton who also joined virtually from Innovate UK commended the team for their resilience.
“Despite the challenges, you have reached this milestone. I know firsthand how valuable this device will be to farmers. I wish I had it back in the day,” Mr. Lamb added.
Mr. Gameli Adzaho, Country Lead for the RISA Fund, said the Fund will continue its support for FarmSense.
“So far, we’ve built a strong foundation to support the commercialisation of FarmSense,” he said.
Highlighting the development of the technology, Isaac Sesi, CEO of Sesi Technologies, took attendees through the journey of how FarmSense was conceived, tested, and brought to market. He emphasised the value of collaboration and perseverance throughout the process.
The launch was officially performed by Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering, and Hon. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture.
The symbolic handover of FarmSense manuals to partner institutions was jointly conducted by Isaac Sesi, CEO of Sesi Technologies and Prof. Eric Tutu Tchao, Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab.
The current phase of the FarmSense is supported by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, with funding from UK International Development.
Key partners include KNUST, Sesi Technologies, Manchester Metropolitan University, Innovate UK, Impact Investing Ghana, and others.
The event marked a significant step in advancing local agricultural innovation through strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
