Climate Smart Agriculture Box - Observatory of Public Sector Innovation

Climate Smart Agriculture BOx

Launched in 2021, the Smart Agriculture Boxes Project aimed to address critical challenges faced by farmers in Mpumalanga South Africa through the creation of an growing box. These challenges included limited land availability, water scarcity, and the imperative for sustainable agricultural practices. The box has a water-efficient design, maximizes crop yields, and is mobile and relocatable.

The initiative recognized the profound impact of these issues on food security, poverty, and vulnerability to climate change, prompting innovative solutions. In that way we wanted to address SDG goals 1 (No poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger)

Innovation Summary

Innovation Overview

The Climate Smart Agriculture Boxes Project applies several methods to achieve Smart Agriculture objectives and promote sustainable vegetable production for improved food security. Some of the methods applied in the Project include:

Water Efficiency: One of the notable innovations of the Smart Agriculture Box is it's water-efficient design. With a 28-litre reservoir, the box can self-water for 2-3 weeks, reducing the need for constant manual watering. This feature is crucial in municipalities where water scarcity is a pressing issue. By optimizing water usage, the Project helps farmers conserve water resources and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and erratic rainfall patterns.
High Crop Yields: The dense planting system in the Smart Agriculture Box contributes to high crop yields. The close spacing of plants maximizes the use of available space, allowing for the cultivation of a significant number of crops in a limited area. This not only boosts production but also reduces weed occurrence, as the dense foliage helps to suppress weed growth. The increased crop yields have the potential to enhance food security and increase income generation for participating households.
Mobility and Relocatable Technology: The Project incorporates mobility as an innovative aspect of the Smart Agriculture Box. The box can be moved by two people, providing flexibility in protecting crops from adverse weather conditions or relocating them to areas with better sunlight exposure. This adaptability is valuable in regions where extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions pose challenges to traditional farming practices. Additionally, the Project promotes the use of recyclable materials and encourages individuals to create their own compost and replicate the self-watering system using available resources, such as used buckets and homemade structures. This promotes resourcefulness and empowers communities to adopt sustainable farming practices even without access to specialized equipment.

Durability and Multiple Crop Compatibility: The Smart Agriculture Box is constructed using recycled plastic that is treated with a UV stabilizer, making it durable and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. This durability ensures the longevity of the box, allowing for long-term use and maximizing it's impact. Furthermore, the Project emphasizes the versatility of the box by highlighting it's compatibility with a wide range of crops, including vegetables, fruit trees, and even cannabis. This adaptability enables farmers and households to diversify their produce and explore different market opportunities, potentially increasing their income and overall resilience.

An organic growing medium was developed in one of the centres by the Ministry with help of unemployed youth. This medium served as a foundation for plant growth, ensuring organic and sustainable farming practices. Now, this youth established a working cooperative that sells

Innovation Description

What Makes Your Project Innovative?

The Smart Agriculture Box represents a ground-breaking approach to agriculture, specifically tailored for provinces grappling with limited land,water scarcity,and the impacts of climate change.Several key features to revolutionize farming practices:
Self-Watering System: Incorporating a self-watering system with a 28-litre reservoir, Box enables crops to thrive autonomously for 2-3 weeks.
Dense Planting Technique:Utilizing a dense planting method optimizes space, allowing a multitude of crops to flourish in limited areas.
Mobility and Adaptability:Designed for mobility,this Box can be relocated as needed,safeguarding crops from adverse weather conditions.
Durability and Versatility:Constructed from treated recycled plastic,the Smart Agriculture Box guarantees long-term usability.
Educational App:An accompanying mobile app provides user-friendly guidance
Community Engagement and Replicability:Encouraging community involvement
Sustainability Focus:Recyclable material is used

What is the current status of your innovation?

The Smart Agriculture Box has achieved remarkable results, significantly impacting farmers and communities
Rapid Increase in Vegetable Harvests:These Boxes and climatet-smart practices have accelerated vegetable production, outpacing traditional methods.
Higher Crop Yields: Dense planting and water-efficient designs led to increased productivity for both young and commercial farmers, boosting fresh produce availability.
Enhanced Food Security:Starter kits empowered households to grow nutritious food, reducing reliance on external sources and ensuring consistent access.
Empowerment of Young Farmers:Young farmers gained vital skills, fostering self-sufficiency and improving prospects in agriculture.
Improved Livelihoods:Commercial farmers experienced financial stability due to higher crop yields and increased income.
Water Efficiency:these Boxes reduced water consumption, aiding sustainable water management
Climate Change adaptation,community colloboration,sustainable prac

Innovation Development

Collaborations & Partnerships

Experts in various fields were engaged,including agricultural scientists,engineers, environmentalists and local government.
The project extended its reach to traditional authorities in the province,this initiative gained support from local leadership,fostering community engagement and participation.
The department is partnering with Centre for Public Sector Innovation,National department of Agriculture, Dept ofPublic Service and Administration for the role out to other Provinces and areas.

Users, Stakeholders & Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of this project is individuals of which majority are women directly benefited from the project, including Young Incubators, one of whom has a disability emphasizing the initiative's inclusive approach.
Users and Beneficiaries:
Churches
Traditional leaders in communal areas
Schools
Social centres.
Stakeholders:
Agricultural Scientists
Engineers
Environmentalists
Local Government
Traditional Authorities
Center for Public Sector Innovation
National Dept of Agriculture

Innovation Reflections

Results, Outcomes & Impacts

Beneficiaries:Over 7 300 individuals of which majority are women directly benefited from the project, including 5 projects for Young Incubation beneficiaries, one of whom has a disability emphasizing the initiative's inclusive approach. Additionally, 1 000 churches, 60 traditional leaders in communal areas (Chiefs), 2 schools and 10 social centres. In this way we are ensuring we leave no one behind.
Job created: 4 960 young people and 500 adults.
Sustainability: The project has made a substantial financial impact on its beneficiaries, with small tunnels generating up to $87 480 annually with 270 boxes and larger ones with 4000 boxes yielding up to $1 224 720 annually.

Challenges and Failures

Local Context Adaptation: Adapting the project to the diverse local contexts and specific needs of different communities posed a challenge. The solution involved conducting thorough needs assessments and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the technology and practices were relevant and effective in each context.
Resource Constraints: Limited resources and funding posed a challenge to project expansion. Creative solutions were employed, such as using recyclable materials and encouraging resourcefulness, to ensure that the project remained affordable and accessible.
Behavioural Change: Encouraging behavioural change among farmers to adopt new techniques and technologies required extensive training and ongoing support.

Conditions for Success

Two main conditions were identified for success

1. Buy in by the field workers and users

2. Availability of compost – even home made

Replication

This project demonstrates high replicability and scalability potential,Its innovative features, emphasis on community involvement, and sustainable practices create a model that can be adapted to address similar challenges globally. All other African countries also want to replicate this innovation in their country.
Replicability and Scaling:
The project's modular design, water-efficient technology, and focus on resourcefulness make it adaptable to various environments. The self-contained nature allows for easy replication and scaling, whether in urban settings, rural communities, or even areas with limited space.

Lessons Learned

Community Engagement: The success of the project hinged on active community engagement. Involving farmers, households, and local experts from the planning phase to implementation ensured that the project's design and practices were aligned with their needs and preferences.

Sustainability through Education: Educational components were crucial for the project's sustainability. By providing farmers with the knowledge and skills to replicate and adapt the technology, the project empowered them to continue practicing sustainable agriculture independently.

Flexibility and Innovation: Remaining flexible and open to innovation allowed the project to overcome challenges.

Anything Else?

Awards that were won are as indicated below;

Continental Africa Public Service Day in Zimbambwe – 1st Runner up.

Centre for Public Service Innovation Award, South Africa – under the category –“ Citizen focused innovation harnessing non - ICT solutions” – 1st Prize

African Association for Public Administration – Innovative Management Award – Gold Medal (1st Prize )