A ground-breaking agricultural innovation, Farmsense, is poised to revolutionise farming across Ghana, with an ambitious plan to benefit over 20,000 smallholder farmers in the short term and scale up to reach one million by 2030.
The project is the brainchild of researchers from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is being led by Sesi Technologies, a Ghanaian Agritech company.
Farmsense is funded by Innovate UK, through its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University.
In an interview with The Chronicle, Ing. Isaac Sesi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sesi Technologies, explained that Farmsense enables farmers to measure soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and electrical conductivity, providing them with data-driven insights for smarter decision-making.
“Farmers have, for many years, farmed blindly without understanding their soil needs. Season after Season, they plant crops that may not suit the land, leading to low productivity,” Ing. Sesi noted.
The Farmsense system includes a soil sensor and a mobile app that analyses and delivers insights to farmers. For those with limited digital literacy, a WhatsApp-based version is available to ensure accessibility.
The technology is designed to work offline in areas with limited or no internet, making it ideal for remote farming communities.
“We know the realities our farmers face. So, parts of the system function without internet access. With some training, even farmers with basic Smartphones can use it,” Ing. Isaac Sesi said.
A central analytics platform also supports agribusinesses, extension officers, and NGOs working with large farmer groups, enabling them to monitor soil health and make informed recommendations.
Protecting the Environment
Beyond improving yields, Farmsense addresses environmental issues linked to overuse of fertilisers. “Farmers often apply fertilisers without testing their soil. This leads to environmental degradation and poor crop results. Farmsense helps apply the right nutrients in the right amounts,” Ing. Sesi explained.
By optimising soil management, the technology also reduces the need to clear new land, protecting forests and biodiversity. Farmsense is a commercial product, not a donor-driven pilot. It is being rolled out through organisations, such as outgrower schemes, NGOs and district agricultural offices that already support smallholder farmers.
“We work through partners who provide seeds, inputs and financing to farmers. That’s how we scale sustainably,” said Ing. Isaac Sesi.
Sesi Technologies previously launched GrainMate, a moisture meter used by grain farmers across Ghana to reduce post-harvest losses. Like Farmsense, it began as a university research project at KNUST.
“I was a research engineer at KNUST working on GrainMate. We later commercialised it at Sesi Technologies, and it’s now helping farmers preserve their grains across the country,” Ing. Isaac Sesi said.
£300,000 Innovation Investment
The total project investment stands at £300,000 funded by Innovate UK under the KTP framework. Partners include Sesi Technologies, KNUST and Manchester Metropolitan University.
A Call for Local Support
Sesi urged the Ghanaian government to support local innovation: “We often look abroad for solutions that don’t fit our context, while local innovators are building technology that works. With support, these solutions can transform our economy and even be exported.”
Farmsense represents a transformative step in Ghana’s agricultural future. Rooted in local research, built by local talent, and supported through international collaboration, it offers the tools to boost yields, protect the environment, and increase farmer incomes while laying the foundation for a more food-secure Ghana.
