Step 1: How to Document Your Gap
Answer these key questions:
1. What is the current problem or limitation?
The current problem is the inefficient use of water in agricultural irrigation due to reliance on
manual and traditional irrigation methods. These methods do not consider real-time soil moisture
and environmental conditions, leading to over-irrigation or under-irrigation. Additionally, many
existing systems lack automation, real-time monitoring, or affordability for small- to medium-
scale farmers.
2. Who is affected by this problem?
This problem primarily affects farmers, especially small- and medium-scale farmers who have
limited access to advanced irrigation technologies. It also impacts agricultural communities,
policymakers concerned with water sustainability, and the environment due to excessive water
consumption and soil degradation.
3. Why does this problem matter? (Impact / consequences)
Inefficient irrigation leads to water wastage, increased operational costs, reduced crop yield, and
long-term soil damage. In regions experiencing climate change, droughts, or irregular rainfall,
poor water management threatens food security and sustainable agriculture. Overuse of water
also puts pressure on already limited water resources.
4. What evidence supports that this gap exists?
Studies show that traditional irrigation systems can waste a significant amount of water due to
evaporation and runoff. Research on climate-smart irrigation practices indicates that irrigation
efficiency in many countries remains below optimal levels. Literature also highlights that while
IoT and automated irrigation technologies exist, their adoption is limited due to cost, complexity,
and lack of integration suitable for small-scale farming.
5. Has anyone attempted to solve this? What are the limitations of existing solutions?
Yes, several studies have proposed smart irrigation and automated systems using IoT and
sensors. But many solutions are either expensive, designed for large-scale farms, crop-specific,
or remain at the prototype or theoretical level. Others focus only on monitoring without full
automation or lack of user-friendly interfaces and real-world performance evaluation. These
limitations prevent widespread adoption, particularly among resource-constrained farmers.