ABOUT US

Sokoine University of Agriculture

Electronics and Precision Agriculture Lab 

(SUA EPAL)

The Department of Agricultural Engineering at Sokoine University of Agriculture is home to the SUA EPA Lab, a lively laboratory dedicated to teaching and conducting research in Electronics and Precision Agriculture. Originally called the Instrumentation and Measurements Lab and founded by Professor Siza Tumbo in 2002, the lab underwent an exciting transformation in 2022 when Dr. Kadeghe Fue took over as the new principal investigator. It should be noted that Prof Tumbo groomed Dr Fue to be the next PI of the Lab. Under Dr. Fue’s leadership, the lab flourished and was renamed the Electronics and Precision Agriculture Lab to better reflect its focus on Precision Agriculture.

What makes this lab particularly special is the expertise of both Professor Tumbo and Dr. Fue, who are pioneers in the field of Precision Agriculture at SUA. They trained in the United States and continue to lead the lab with wisdom and vision, working to revolutionize the African agricultural industry.

The mission of EPAL is to empower farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders throughout the agricultural value chain by equipping them with advanced digital tools. These tools enable adopting sustainable and efficient practices, leading to increased productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. The lab leverages emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, and big data analytics to address crucial challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

The lab is dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and agriculture, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging the adoption of digital solutions among farmers and industry stakeholders. Through rigorous experimentation, data analysis, and practical implementation, EPAL develops scalable and user-friendly digital solutions that can be easily embraced by diverse farming communities and agricultural enterprises, both locally and globally.

Ultimately, EPAL’s goal is to drive a transformative shift in agriculture by unlocking the full potential of digital technologies and creating a sustainable and resilient food system. Through research, education, and collaboration with industry partners, the lab aims to empower agricultural communities, promote food security, and contribute to the well-being of both people and the planet.

Principal Investigator of the Lab: Dr Kadeghe Fue, Sokoine University of Agriculture

Mission: Our mission is to drive innovation in digital agriculture technology, paving the way for the advancements of tomorrow.

Vision: We aspire to become the foremost pioneers of precision agriculture in East Africa, leading the way in innovative solutions that revolutionize farming practices and enhance agricultural productivity.

EPAL is innovating