The Senegalese start-up Nano Air offers rural farmers a tele-irrigation system, in which a Widim Pump (WP), which is an SMS-controlled box, allows them to manage their irrigation systems remotely. Farmers benefit from this device by saving money and decreasing their water and energy consumption.

According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Africa’s population is the fastest-growing in the world and is expected to increase by roughly 50% over the next 18 years, growing from 1.2 billion people today to over 1.8 billion in 2035. In fact, Africa will account for nearly half of global population growth over the next two decades. Africa’s expected rapid economic development and population growth will increase the stress level on water and energy resources in the coming decades.

The Senegalese startup Nano Air offers rural farmers a Widim Pump (WP) which is an SMS-controlled box that allows managing irrigation systems remotely. The Widim Pump allows farmers via an SMS, to activate or stop their irrigation system, to receive data about the state of the plants and soil. Furthermore, the scheme allows farmers to make a substantial reduction in energy and water consumption.

The startup grew from 2 employees up to 12 people and already sold 250 boxes since the start of Nano Air. Farmers are able to facilitate the acquisition of the product at a price of €305 which is payable in four instalments including maintenance costs. Nano Air contributes to the agricultural value chains by irrigation, fertilization, watering and productivity for inclusive and sustainable growth.