Cisco has partnered with the ConSenso Project to help Tanzanian coffee growers boost yields sustainably using IoT. 

Cisco Systems, Inc., a multinational digital communications technology conglomerate in partnering with the ConSenso Project, a unique coalition of Tanzanian espresso farmers and Italian plant and technology researchers to use the Internet of Things (IoT) to help Tanzanian coffee growers boost yields and operate more sustainably amid the challenges of climate change.

Angelo Fienga, Cisco’s Director of Sustainable solutions for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA),  said, “The solution addresses many challenges and potential advantages. One of these challenges we are addressing is preserving the soil and saving water while helping the farmers grow their businesses sustainably since the social and economic aspect is highly relevant to the success of the project.” 

Massimo Battaglia, Coffee Research Leader at Accademia del Caffè Espresso in Florence, a ConSenso partner, said, “Many developing nations cultivate coffee in Africa, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, and beyond. We aim to introduce this type of solution globally.”

Dr Camilla Pandolfi of PNAT, a Florence-based think tank of plant scientists and technology designers, said, “Climate change has led to a shorter rainy season for growers in Tanzania. As a result, they are resorting to irrigation to ensure proper flowering and ripening of the beans, which requires significant water usage.”

Cisco LoRaWAN, a radio-transmission technology known for its long-range data transmission and low energy use, is one of the solutions facilitating the connection of sensors and enabling local preliminary data analysis.

Cisco’s cloud and LTE technologies enhance the secure transfer of data to and from Florence. Additionally, Cisco Webex facilitates real-time, secure collaboration between team members in Tanzania and Florence.