Welcome to a special edition of our GFSI blog, as we are excited to feature another guest author, Onan Martinez, a graduate student from the UF/IFAS Animal Sciences Department. Onan recently had the opportunity to work on one of our projects in Tanzania, collaborating with researchers at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). In this post, Onan shares his experience working with smallholder farmers and how the Precision Livestock Farming Technologies Evaluation project is transforming dairy farming practices in Africa. Please read below…

Arusha in Tanzania, a land where vast safaris and abundant wildlife dominate the landscape, yet, when you venture into the heart of its villages, a different story unfolds. Here, among humble smallholder farmers tending to their crops and livestock, you find resilience, hard work, and an unyielding commitment. This is where innovation and tradition converge, where new technologies are not just a luxury, but a source of support for those striving to improve their livelihoods. 

I recently had the privilege of working with an incredible team of researchers at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Tanzania on a groundbreaking project, the Precision Livestock Farming Technologies Evaluation project in Africa (PLF). The project aims to revolutionize livestock farming for smallholder farmers in Africa through technology. Our mission was to introduce smaXtec endo-reticular bolus sensor system designed to track the health and productivity of individual dairy cows. The smaXtec boluses are designed to monitor vital parameters such as estrus, feed and water intake, and overall well-being, and provide real-time data that empowers farmers to better understand their animals’ performance, make informed decisions, and ultimately enhance the productivity of their farms. 

At first glance, the concept sounds straightforward and promising. The potential for these insights to transform dairy farming practices and improve livelihoods is nothing short of exciting. However, as with any new technology, we quickly discovered that the path was not simple. The first hurdle was logistics. These smallholder farmers are often located in remote areas, far from paved roads and easy access. Reaching them involved navigating difficult terrain, a challenge that tested both our resolve and our resources. 

Once we arrived at the farms, power outages were a frequent issue, and poor connectivity in these rural areas made it nearly impossible to activate and administer the devices as planned. But this is where the true spirit of innovation came to the forefront. Our team, composed of smart, resourceful individuals worked tirelessly to problem-solve. With some quick thinking and a bit of extra equipment, we managed to find solutions, ensuring the mission could continue despite the setbacks. 

What struck me most was the unwavering dedication of the smallholder dairy farmers themselves. These farmers are hungry for knowledge and eager to improve their practices. They know the land, the animals, and rural life intimately. But there is a significant gap when it comes to access to modern farming practices and information that could be applied in their context. Many of these farmers lack training in key areas such as animal nutrition, facility design, and efficient milk harvesting practices; critical factors that could make a huge difference in their productivity and income.

The PLF project has opened a channel for collaboration and knowledge sharing between the project team and the smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Through this partnership, PLF has laid the groundwork for ongoing training and support to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to transform their practices, improve animal welfare, and unlock new levels of productivity. 

By Onan Martinez 

Graduate Student, UF/IFAS Animal Sciences Department 

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