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