Satellite IoT Agriculture

In a strategic expansion of its space‑enabled services, SES is collaborating with Advannotech and other partners on the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN) program. The initiative deploys satellite‑connected IoT and LoRaWAN sensors to monitor soil moisture, temperature, water levels, and environmental variables for South African young farmers. A three‑month proof‑of‑concept trial at a climate‑smart training farm in Centurion has demonstrated real‑time data delivery in remote locations, enabling farmers to receive alerts when conditions deviate from optimal ranges. This shift from guesswork to data‑driven decision‑making is expected to reduce unnecessary water usage and power consumption while improving yields and sustainability. SES Director for Africa Hans Geldenhuys highlighted the project’s success in proving satellite‑enabled IoT’s effectiveness for agriculture despite location constraints.