use of renewable energy to allow precision agriculture in the third world case study: senegal, west...
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USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TO ALLOW PRECISION AGRICULTURE
IN THE THIRD WORLDCase Study: Senegal, West Africa
Abdoulaye Samba
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA
Population: 12,643,799 Total area: 196,722 sq km
Land: 192,722 sq km Water: 4,192 sq km Slightly smaller than South
Dakota
Climate Tropical Hot, humid Rainy season (May-
November) Strong southeast winds Dry season (December to
April)
AGRICULTURE IN SENEGAL
Most of farms are located in the drought prone Sahel region
Irregular rainfall Poor soil Farmers produce for subsistence need Cash crop
Sugar cane Peanut Cotton
A wide variety of fruits and vegetable is grown for local and international markets
AGRICULTURE IN SENEGAL
Corn
Blue– production
Green– demand
Orange– retail
IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY
Reliable energy is key to development, education, and medical care
Energy is important for the enhancement of rural production and food security through: Land preparation Fertilization Irrigation Agro-processing Conservation
Water purification and Distribution Commercial and Industry Application Communication
ENERGY IN SENEGAL
No fossil fuel resources Importing fuels = $$$$ Power grid only services cities Solar panels are available but with very low efficiency Multiple power outage
SOLUTION
Electrical energy production Photovoltaic Wind Fuel cell Biomass and biodiesel Diesel generators
Electrical energy storage Batteries Flywheel Compressed air Hydrogen
SOLUTION
Financial Considerations Power generation system should cost $200-300 Price target should include a fair value return to manufacturer Money for research and development is available
NGO
Foundations funding
BIOGAS
Turn manure into energy Anaerobic Bacteria
Glucose to methane and CO2
Pilot projects are using the methane produced in waste treatment plants and landfill sites to produce electricity
PRECISION AG IN SENEGAL
Farmer practices are plant by plant management Although does not improve yield Traditional agriculture
Farmers need to be educated Fertilizer application Weed control Post harvest management
Once the energy problem is solved Mechanism agriculture Precision agriculture technology can be introduced
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