Satellite-Enabled IoT Transforms Training for South Africa’s Next Generation of Farmers
SES, a leading space solutions company, along with IoT technology provider Advannotech and other service providers, is collaborating to bring data-driven agricultural technology to South Africa’s next generation of farmers through the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN), a hands-on programme that combines practical farming, business skills, and innovation.
The initiative aims to leverage technology to tackle food insecurity and support economic growth through a climate-smart training farm in Centurion, South Africa, and has successfully completed a three-month proof-of-concept trial.
Using IoT over satellite and LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) sensors, the project monitors soil moisture and temperature, water levels, and environmental factors such as light, CO₂, humidity, and air temperature. Connected through SES satellites to a cloud-based backend, this system bypasses cellular networks to deliver consistent, real-time data even in remote locations.
Driving Data-Driven Decision Making
“Before these IoT devices were put in the field, everything was guesswork,” said Joshua Ngoma, Founder and Chief Enabler of Enterprising Africa Regional Network (Pty) Ltd (EARN), the holding company of African Greeneurs, EARN’s youth agribusiness training subsidiary. “We used to water three times a day. But with the information you get on your phone or computer, you know exactly when to water. That saves power and conserves water, a very limited resource.”
The emphasis on water conservation is particularly critical given South Africa’s water challenges. According to WWF South Africa, the country is officially considered a water-scarce nation and is frequently ranked amongst the 30 driest countries in the world. The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan projects a 17% water supply deficit by 2030 due to over-allocation, ageing infrastructure, and climate change, making precision irrigation technologies not merely beneficial, but essential for agricultural sustainability.
Overcoming Connectivity Challenges
In the past, the farm faced technological challenges due to inconsistent cellular connectivity, which hindered effective monitoring of growing conditions, water management, and timely responses to climate shifts. But satellite connectivity has proved to be a game-changer. Sensors now provide alerts when conditions fall outside optimal ranges, enabling immediate action.
“Through this project, we have demonstrated that satellite-enabled IoT in agriculture will assist farmers in making data-driven decisions for higher yields and sustainability, irrespective of location,” said Hans Geldenhuys, Director for Africa at SES.
Building Agricultural Resilience
The programme enables young farmers to gain practical experience with data-driven agribusiness whilst participating in EARN’s comprehensive training, positioning them to apply these technologies as they establish their own farming enterprises and contribute to addressing the continent’s food security challenges. By demonstrating how satellite-enabled IoT can optimise resource use, particularly water, in the face of climate uncertainty, the initiative offers a scalable model for agricultural development across Africa’s rural and remote farming communities.