Low rainfall and rising temperatures in Peki and nearby communities are making farming increasingly difficult, with many farmlands drying up, particularly during the dry season.
In response to the challenge, a group of students from Peki Blengo Evangelical Presbyterian Junior High School has developed a prototype “smart farm” aimed at improving irrigation and supporting local farmers.
The project was unveiled during the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of the Telecel DigiTech Academy in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region.
Led by student Ruth Martey, the team created the innovation after completing a 12-week practical training programme in robotics and technology.
“As a group, we wanted to solve a problem our communities face every day because farming is the main source of livelihood for many of our parents,” Ruth explained during the presentation. “Farmers here struggle with water shortages, especially in the dry season.”
The smart farm prototype combines an automated irrigation system with the ability to source water from underground reserves and potentially nearby rivers or lakes. The system is designed to automatically water crops whenever soil moisture levels fall below the required level.
The innovation also features a lighting system intended to illuminate farms at night and help deter animals that destroy crops.
Local farmer Evans Owusu, who has more than 25 years of experience cultivating cassava, plantain, and cocoa, said the project reflects the growing challenges farmers face due to unpredictable rainfall patterns.
“When the rains delay, it affects everything,” he said. “If this smart irrigation system can be developed into a practical product and used widely, it could improve productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.”
Mr. Owusu, who also serves as Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, praised the students after the project showcase attended by educators, parents, and community leaders.
The smart farm was among several student innovations presented by nearly 500 participants from five regions who completed the three-month Telecel DigiTech Academy programme, which focuses on robotics, coding, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Students from 19 schools across Ghana developed a range of projects, including fire and theft alarm systems, e-commerce applications, rain detectors, and agricultural technologies.
Headteacher of Peki Blengo EP JHS, Vincent Adzagbenu, said the programme has strengthened students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
“This is the kind of practical learning that prepares students for the future,” he noted.
The DigiTech Academy is implemented with support from the Mingo Foundation and Asustem Robotics, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the National STEM Centre. The programme combines classroom learning with hands-on digital skills training in areas such as Scratch programming, Arduino robotics, and basic web development.
Although projects like the smart farm are still at the prototype stage and require further testing and funding, organisers say the initiative is designed to inspire students to develop real-world solutions for their communities.
Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, said the goal of the programme is to empower young people with digital skills that can drive innovation and social impact.
“We want students to become changemakers in their communities while preparing them for future careers in STEM,” she said.
The programme also promotes gender inclusion, with girls making up about 70 per cent of participants nationwide. Teachers in participating schools are also trained to help sustain the programme’s impact.
Since its launch in 2024, the Telecel DigiTech Academy has trained more than 2,300 students across 13 regions, with plans for further expansion nationwide.