The collaboration between the SI and MyBitSecure has transitioned from its pilot and second phase into a third because it is giving clear evidence of impact. It shows how digital monitoring transforms the ability to manage water usage in agricultural practices.
As the project enters Phase 3, the focus shifts toward comprehensive, end-to-end water management to build upon the significant insights gained during the initial trial.
Key findings: Shifting from habit to evidence
The most transformative finding from Phase 2 was the revelation regarding irrigation efficiency. Sensor data indicated that more than 80% of irrigation events during April were unnecessary, because soil moisture levels were already good. This discovery highlighted a major discrepancy between routine-based management and actual environmental needs, shifting the team’s approach from watering based on habit to watering based on evidence.
By aligning irrigation with real-time soil requirements, the pilot demonstrated that water use could be dramatically reduced while still maintaining healthy growing conditions.
As much as giving insight into irrigation efficiency, the monitoring infrastructure gave clear visibility into environmental baselines and hidden system failures.
One of the project’s biggest successes was the detection of hidden leaks which were revealed when the system identified water movement at night when no irrigation was scheduled.
Other evidence was the JoJo water tank that remained reliably full (between 63% and 79%). This data clarified that the primary challenge was not water availability, it was understanding exactly where that water was being distributed.
The health of the land itself showed measurable improvement. Data revealed that soil salt levels reduced significantly since February. While heavy rainfall in May contributed to this, the reduction in salinity creates superior growing conditions for plants to absorb nutrients. The monitoring also identified relatively high salinity in the borehole water, a geological baseline that helps explain specific soil and crop responses.
The human element and operational challenges
For the SI garden’s team, the greatest benefit has been gaining real-time experience into what affects the soil and this gives them better decision making options based on the soil’s need.
The pilot phase revealed several barriers to scaling. Limited Wi-Fi connectivity caused issues in data transmission, and the desktop dashboard was initially perceived as a bit difficult to navigate for those new to environmental monitoring.
Behavioral challenges also emerged. As humans tend to be creatures of habit it took some time to move to evidence-based watering schedules rather than those born of routine, and some confusion arose from “sensor lag,” which is the time it takes for a sensor to measure soil moisture updates after watering.
These insights show the need for ongoing capacity building and training to help the team fully utilise the technology.
The spirit of innovation: Ukama and agency
The success of this pilot is rooted in a unique innovation environment. Unlike a high-pressure business setting, the Sustainability Institute provides a space to experiment, ask deep research questions, and learn from mistakes.
A sense of Ukama emerged too as the interconnected relationship between people, technology, and nature was activated. By using digital tools to better understand the living systems of the gardens, mindful stewardship has been encouraged by recognising that healthy ecosystems require working with nature not just managing it.
As Phase 3 begins, the project stands as a hopeful example of how technology can enhance environmental stewardship, especially as we are facing severe weather ahead due to the powerful El Nino.
Next steps: Phase 3 Operational Mode
Phase 3 marks the start of a live operational mode, expanding the scope to include end-to-end water management. The agreement now covers a total of ten sensors, combining existing soil sensors with new water level and pressure sensors.
The ability to securely store environmental data for up to five years creates a foundation for long-term research, impact demonstration, and future funding opportunities.
By becoming a true living laboratory, the SI is showing the real-world impact of regenerative practices.