The Computer Farmer Concept: Human-cyberphysical Systems for Monitoring and Improving Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

Abstract

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) as a new technological paradigm has inspired several research interests in agricultural robotics, cyberphysical systems and wireless sensors networks. This can be attributed to the application of telecommunications and automation to improve traditional mechanized farming methods. This article proposes a viable and attractive technological approach to agriculture, with the aim of revamping Nigerian farms. This involves conceptualising cyberphysical systems that can enable people to do physical farming with computers from remote locations via the Internet. Practical applications and case studies of existing platforms are used to describe the effectiveness of the IoT in automating traditional farming. This is to show the adaptability of the cyberphysical network infrastructure to modern agriculture, in line with industry 4.0. Moreover, a feasible close-loop conceptual model was designed to illustrate its practicability. Therefore, this work is expected to attract smart people, especially in Nigeria, to agriculture and thus improve food production and operational security in the agricultural sector.