DREEM HUB Project

Soil and Water testing

On 21st January, Water and soil tests were carried out to determine the sustainability of the available water for irrigation as well as analyzing soil fertility for optimal crop production. As part of the DREEM Hub Project initiative to enhance sustainability agriculture through solar powered irrigation, it was essential to asses the quality of both water and soil at the JEEP Folk center demonstration site.

The water testing focused on key parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, mineral composition, and turbidity, ensuring the water meets safety standards for agricultural and human use.

Soil testing aimed to evaluate nutrient composition, organic matter content, pH levels, and soil texture to determine its capacity to support productive farming. Given that soil fertility directly affects crop yield and sustainability, the results of this analysis will guide appropriate soil management strategies, including the use of organic fertilizers, and irrigation techniques.

These tests were fundamental in designing an effective and sustainable agricultural model under the project, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed for productive, climate-resilient farming.

Renovation of the existing shallow well

JEEP undertook the renovation and expansion of an existing shallow well. This activity was to ensure the well could accommodate a 10,000-liter capacity to support the installation of a solar-powered irrigatoin system. This enhances access to renewable energy solutions for sustainable agricultural practices as securing a reliable water source, strenghthens resilience against climate change effects, particulary prolonged dry seasons that negatively impact agricultural productivity

Activities executed

• Widening the existing shallow well to ensure sufficient water is available
• Removal of debris, clay and unwanted materials from the well to improve water quality
• Strengthening the well's interior walls for water proofing and prevention of contamination

Clearing and leveling Farming land

JEEP cleared and leveled 1 acre of its land and subdivided it into smaller gardens to demonstrate how the irrigation systems can help in farming. Securing enough farm land to demonstrate the solar irrigation system ensures efficient execution of the project's goal as there is access to renewable energy solutoins for sustainable agricultural practices.

The key objectives of this activity

• To prepare a demonstration farm land for testing and showcasing solar irrigation systems
• To create a practical learning environment for farmers, students and agricultural stakeholders

Outputs Achieved

• One acre of land cleared and leveled, ready for solar irrigation installation
• Demonstration plots established for training

Expected Outcomes

• Farmers and agricultural stakeholders will gain hands-on knowledge of solar-powered irrigation systems and visual impression of the systems
• Increased adoption of renewable energy solutions in farming communities
• Strengthen capacity for sustainable agriculture through practical training

Fabrication and installation of a 10,000 liter tank stand

A 10,000-liter tank stand was acquired to hold a 10,000 liter stand to store and distribute water efficiently. The installation of the tank stand endures that the water storage is raised enought to take advantage of gravity to support the irrigation system, addressing water accessiblity challenges for sustainable agricultural practices

Output of the Activity

• A structurally sound 10,000-liter tank was successfully fabricated and installed
• The stand was positioned at the highest point within the JEEP center to maximize water distribution efficiency

Expended Outcomes

• The tank stand will provide support for the 10,000 liter storage and provide enough height to aid in efficient distribution of water for irrigation
• The system will serve as a practical learning model for farmers, students and other stakeholders

District inception meeting

The meetings were intended to engage district officials, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Local Council 5 (LC5) Chairperson, Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Agricultural Officer, and other relevant stakeholders, to secure their support and collaboration for the project. These engagements aimed to align the project activities with district priorities and ensure local ownership and commitment.

The inception meetings, initially scheduled for the last two weeks of February, were postponed due to overlapping government programs, including Ministry of Health activities and the Parish Development Model, which required the participation of key district officials. Consequently, the meetings have been rescheduled to take place during the first two weeks of March. This delay will provide an opportunity to ensure full participation and involvement of all relevant stakeholders, ensuring the alignment and successful implementation of the project within the district

Awareness raising activities

On 20th February, JEEP successfully conducted awareness-raising meetings with 101 farmers (57 males, 44 females) in Wakiso and Mukono districts promoting the adoption of solar-powered irrigation and sola drying systems under the DREEM Hub Project. The session highlighted the benefits of integrating solar energy into agricultural practices, such as improved water efficiency and higher-quality dried products

Farmers were educated on the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term advantages of solar powered solutions in addressing water scarcity and post-harvest losses. Real-life case studies are shared to demonstrate the positive impact on agricultural yields, product quality, and farm sustainability

lThe meetings also facilitated discussions on the challenges of traditional farming, such as unreliable rainfall and inefficient drying processes. Farmers expressed interest in small-scale demonstrations of the systems, and key stakeholders, including agricultural extension officers and local leaders, participated to emphasize the importance of renewable energy in farming

The demonstrations have already attracted interest from local farmers, with five expressing a desire to adopt solar dryers and irrigation systems for their own farms. This response demonstrates the potential for the technology to be embraced by the community and provides a practical example of how solar energy can empower farmers, improving food preservation and enhancing their economic prospects

Setting up of Solar dryers

On 5th February JEEP successfully installed three types of solar dryers at the demonstration center as part of the DREEM Hub Project. These included a parabolic solar dryer, a mini parabolic solar dryer, and a conventional slanting wedge solar dryer. The solar dyers were designed to demonstrate the potential of solar energy in preserving perishable agricultural produce, such as vegetables, and grains. By utilizing solar energy, these dryers effectively exted the shelf life of farm produce while maintaining its nutritional value, offering a sustainable and energy efficient alternative to traditional post-harvest management methods for stallholder farmers

Its worth noting that the installation of these solar dryers is currently in the testing phase, and early indications show that they are performing well in dehydrating various agricultural products.

Installation of five irrigation demonstration system

On 2nd February JEEP successfully installed a solar-powered irrigation system to serve as a practical demonstration model for solar-powered irrigation technologies. This system incorporates six different irrigation methods, including drip inline, drip online, laser spray, micro sprinklers, and drag hose systems.

To date, the procurement process for the irrigation system components has been successfully completed. Two 5,000-liter water tanks (total of 10,000 liters) were acquired for the successfully completed. Additionally, a solar pump, solar panels and all necessary piping for the system were procured. The installation of these components is scheduled for completion in the first week of March, once the solar pump is delivered. These outputs are critical for ensuring that the irrigation system will be fully functional and capable of supporting the educational and practical needs of farmers and students.

Support university student's internship learning and innovation

Internship opportunities were provided to 4 Makerere University students from the department of Agricultural Engineering, focusing on water and irrigation systems and solar drying technologies

These students have actively contributed to the installation of the solar dryer demonstration units and the solar powered irrigation systems, furthering their practical knowledge. This initiative aimed to equip students with practical, hands-on experience in agricultural engineering, water and irrigation engineering, and agri-business

Stake holder Engagement and Program Strengthening

To further enhance the internship program, Heifer International Uganda facilitated a strategic meeting with Makerere University's Departments of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering. This meeting , which included key stakeholders from Heifer International Uganda, JEEP, and Makerere University, focused on refining the internship program and ensuring its sustainability.

Key outcomes from the meeting included finalizing the internship program plan, outlining timelines, and defining roles for each partner. Addtionally, a memorandum of Understanding was signed to strengthen the collaboration with the Agricultural Engineering Department to secure students for 2-3 week internship placements at JEEP, ensuring continued engagement and a steady flow of interns for future training and learning opportunities

Under this activity, JEEP has collaborated with Intellysis Company Limited to support an innovative project by Ms Rahmza Namatovu, a student from Busitema University to support an innovative project by Ms Rahmza Namatovu, a student from Busitema University. She has developed a a hybrid solar cold room and dehydrator , which is a single unit with separate chambers for cooling and dehydrating, both powered by solar energy. This innovation has been successfully developed and installed at JEEP's facility for monitoring and testing. Should the innovation prove effective, JEEP intends to extend further support the student. This initiative aims to incorporate the hybrid solar solution into the dairy sector, offering an energy-efficient way to manage post-harvest processes. Ms Namatovu's profile has been created , and it will be shared with Heifer International for further analysis and possible scale-up of the innovation