Margraf Publishers
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An intuitive web application empowering African farmers with easy, accurate water management solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Studies have shown that less than 6% of Africa's farmland is irrigated, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions like solar-powered water pumps to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. In many regions, farmers face significant challenges in managing their water resources efficiently to sustain their crops and livestock. Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts exacerbate these issues, making access to reliable water sources critical.
Solar-powered water pumps offer a sustainable solution, but determining daily water consumption needs and the technical requirements for these pumps is a complex task, often beyond the expertise of the average farmer. Traditional methods involve navigating intricate Excel spreadsheets, leading to frequent errors, delays, and the need for expert intervention. This inefficient process needs to improve farmers' ability to make timely and accurate decisions, affecting their productivity and livelihoods.
Ragnarson, specializing in climate tech and startups, partnered with Margraf Publishers and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) to develop a custom software application. This case study outlines how Ragnarson addressed these challenges by focusing on the client's software and business goals. The result was a user-friendly, impactful solution that empowers African farmers to optimise their water usage effectively, thus improving their productivity and livelihoods.
An easy-to-use web application that helps African farmers calculate daily water needs and technical requirements for solar-powered irrigation, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
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Complexity of Existing System: Farmers had to navigate through multiple Excel spreadsheets to determine water requirements and technical specifications for pumps. This error-prone process required frequent expert intervention, leading to delays and extensive communication. Data Migration Issues: Updating and publishing new versions of Excel files led to manual data migration, increasing the risk of errors and inefficiencies. Technical Constraints: The application needed to function effectively in areas with unstable internet connectivity and comply with legal requirements to avoid using the Excel format in the web application.
The application was designed to support offline mode to address unreliable internet connectivity. It allows farmers to input data, navigate the app, and perform calculations without a constant internet connection.
Developed with Progressive Web App (PWA) capabilities to ensure accessibility on both web browsers and mobile devices. The design focused on a simple and intuitive user interface accommodating users with limited technical knowledge.
By replacing complex Excel files with a user-friendly web application, Ragnarson significantly streamlined the process for farmers, reducing errors and dependency on experts.
The application was designed to be accessible on various devices, including mobile phones, ensuring farmers could use it in the field regardless of their internet connectivity.
Moving away from the Excel format to a simplified application version ensured compliance with legal requirements while still delivering accurate calculations.
By providing a robust, scalable solution, Ragnarson enabled Margraf Publishers to expand its reach and impact, positioning it as a key player in the climate tech sector for agricultural solutions.
We utilised Ruby on Rails for server-side development, ensuring simplicity with core functionalities focused on authentication and data persistence.
It was built using React for a dynamic and responsive user interface.
Implemented Tanstack Query for advanced caching and offline support, ensuring the application could function without a stable internet connection.
Used React Router for straightforward routing and DaisyUI for system design, ensuring a user-friendly interface.
The development process involved iterative cycles with continuous feedback from the client, ensuring the final product met the users' specific needs.
Original complex Excel formulas were simplified and integrated into the application with the help of the client’s experts.
The new web application replaced complex Excel files, reducing errors and eliminating the need for expert intervention. Farmers can now easily determine their water requirements and the technical specifications for solar-powered water pumps.
The offline mode ensures that farmers in regions with poor internet connectivity can still use the application effectively.
The app’s design is simple, straightforward, and accessible, catering to users with limited technical expertise. Responsive design ensures usability across different devices, including mobile phones.
Users can download detailed PDF reports of their input data and results, providing a valuable resource for record-keeping and decision-making.
Ragnarson successfully developed a web application for Margraf Publishers that addressed significant challenges faced by African farmers. Leveraging expertise in climate tech, startup development, and impactful software solutions, the team delivered a user-friendly, efficient, and accessible tool.
This project streamlined determining water and pump requirements, empowering farmers with reliable, easy-to-use technology. By providing a solution that simplifies complex calculations and reduces errors, the application significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture practices in Africa.
Through close collaboration and a focus on the client's software and business goals, the project ensured the success and growth of Margraf Publishers in the climate tech sector. This strategic partnership met immediate needs and laid the groundwork for future innovations in sustainable farming solutions.
