In the heart of West Africa, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding, one that promises to reshape the agricultural and environmental landscape. At the forefront of this transformation is Michel Dossou, a researcher from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin, who has been delving into the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive sustainability and efficiency in agriculture and environmental monitoring.
Dossou’s recent study, published in the journal ‘Network’ (translated to English as ‘Network’), offers a comprehensive review of IoT applications in agriculture and environmental management in West Africa. The research, which analyzed 226 scientific publications using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, reveals a significant increase in scientific production on this topic over the past decade.
The IoT, a network of interconnected devices that collect and share data, has been widely adopted in developed countries to monitor and analyze environmental parameters and support farm machinery. However, its application in Africa, particularly in West Africa, remains underdeveloped. Dossou’s research aims to bridge this gap by providing a systematic review of IoT adoption in the region.
“The IoT has the potential to significantly progress sustainability in agriculture and environmental management,” Dossou said. “Our findings highlight promising directions where this technology could be applied to raise incomes, improve food security, and benefit the environment.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in terms of monitoring and managing energy consumption in agricultural processes. By leveraging IoT technology, farmers and agronomists could optimize energy use, reduce waste, and ultimately lower costs.
Moreover, the IoT could play a crucial role in environmental management. Sensors and monitoring devices could be used to track environmental parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, and air quality, enabling more effective and efficient environmental management strategies.
Dossou’s research not only sheds light on the current state of IoT adoption in West Africa but also paves the way for future developments in the field. As the technology continues to evolve, its potential applications in agriculture and environmental management are likely to expand, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
In the words of Dossou, “The future of IoT in agriculture and environmental management is bright. With the right investments and policies, we can unlock its full potential and drive sustainable development in West Africa.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, Dossou’s research offers a glimmer of hope, demonstrating the power of technology to drive sustainability and resilience in the face of adversity.