Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Leveraging Technology to Transform Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure
Meeting Report Date: October 2, 2024, Venue: Avani Maseru, Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Opening Remarks: The dinner meeting commenced with a speech by Mrs. Relebohile Lebeta, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources. She stressed the importance of leveraging modern technologies like IoT, AI, and renewable energy to tackle key developmental challenges, particularly natural resource degradation. Mrs. Lebeta emphasized that these innovations are essential for sustainable development in Lesotho.
Presentation 1: ReNOKA’s Role in Climate Change Mitigation Presenter: Ms. Matsolo Migwi, ReNOKA. Ms. Migwi discussed the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and emphasized the role of integrated catchment management in ensuring sustainable water and land use in Lesotho. She outlined how ReNOKA’s strategies are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Presentation 2: Use of Remote Sensing for Agriculture Presenter: Bijan Debnath, RMSI (on behalf of Dr. Uttam Kumar) Mr. Debnath highlighted the application of remote sensing technology in predicting crop health and yield. He also spoke about the GROWTH initiative, a partnership between RMSI and 4D, which uses remote sensing and ground truthing to deliver actionable insights for improved agricultural management. This project helps monitor crop health, estimate yield, and supports decision-making across Lesotho and other regions
Presentation 3: Climate-Smart Poultry Production Presenter: Dr. Poloko Mosebi, National University of Lesotho Dr. Mosebi presented on the collaborative climate-smart poultry production project in Lesotho. This initiative focuses on using smart technologies to enhance the poultry value chain and improve production capacity, market access, and food security in the country. He also discussed how academia can contribute through research, implementation, and extension, fostering collaboration between universities and industry to address local challenges in the agricultural sector.
Presentation 4: Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Development Presenter: Dr. Ashok Das, CEO, SunMoksha Dr. Das discussed the development of climate-smart technologies based on Gandhi’s Swaraj principles, which promote self-sufficiency through the use of IoT, AI and renewable energy, like solar. He detailed SunMoksha’s collaboration with 4D in establishing a precision agriculture project in Morija, aimed at fostering sustainable farming practices for the Lesotho Evangelical Church in Southern Africa (LECSA).
Presentation 5: The Role of EcoCash in Financial Inclusion Presenter: Ms. Mohanuoa (on behalf of Ms. Paulinah Moreira, Econet Telecom Lesotho) Ms. Mohanuoa highlighted how EcoCash is enabling financial inclusion through digital platforms. She explained the integration of EcoCash with agricultural societies to ensure transparent and accountable financial management for rural farmers. Additionally, she discussed the integration of EcoCash with 4D’s Katleho Ka Gooi Gooi savings solutions, further supporting secure savings and financial transparency for rural communities engaged in agriculture.
Presentation 6: AI Applications in Natural Resource Management Presenter: Ehsan Rizvi, CEO, 4D Climate Solutions Mr. Rizvi presented on the various applications of AI in managing natural resources and standardizing ReNOKA’s work on soil and water conservation. He explained how AI can improve decisionmaking and resource management across agricultural and conservation initiatives. He also showcased 4D’s recently developed AI Assistant, which supports ReNOKA’s Soil and Water Conservation Compendium. This AI Assistant gives users interactive access to the knowledge stored in the compendium.