en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has launched an AI-based integrated water and fertilizer system that automates irrigation and fertilization operations using real-time data, aiming to boost crop yields and promote climate-smart agriculture.
This initiative is part of the "Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa's Growth and Development (TagDev 2.0)" program, which seeks to increase yields of high-value crops while demonstrating how AI can help farmers adapt to climate change.
Implementation has begun at MUST's main campus in Thyolo, where a greenhouse has been constructed, with plans to plant tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers early next month.
The project is led by Dr. Jabulani Nyengere, Senior Lecturer in Geoinformatics and Postgraduate Coordinator at MUST. He stated that the system combines AI, precision irrigation, and automated fertilization management to improve efficiency while reducing water and nutrient waste.
Dr. Nyengere said: "We are using AI to enhance agricultural efficiency, productivity, and climate resilience, while equipping students and communities with practical skills that can transform agriculture." He noted that the technology continuously analyzes crop growth data, automatically adjusting irrigation and nutrient supply to ensure plants receive necessary inputs while conserving resources.
The project also includes a smart nursery that uses an AI-assisted system to regulate watering and fertilization, cultivating climate-resilient seedlings capable of withstanding extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.
According to MUST, this digital agricultural facility will serve as a hands-on innovation hub, providing practical training in AI-powered integrated water and fertilizer systems, precision irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable nursery management for students, youth, farmers, and surrounding communities.
The university stated that the initiative is expected to improve access to quality planting materials, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote household food security and income growth.
This project is part of MUST's participation in the TagDev 2.0 program, which supports African agricultural universities in using research and digital technologies to address agricultural challenges while equipping graduates with practical skills in AI-driven agriculture.
