By Joshua Kato
Prof. Angela R. Wells, a distinguished technology expert and advocate for women’s empowerment, is making waves from her base in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the remote fields of Kitagwenda district in Uganda.
Prof. Wells launched the groundbreaking weather app designed specifically to assist Ugandan farmers.
The app, named AgriForecast, provides accurate and localised weather predictions, helping farmers make informed decisions about planting, harvesting and irrigation.
This innovation addresses a pressing issue for farmers in Uganda, where erratic weather patterns due to climate change have made traditional farming practices increasingly difficult.
By using advanced meteorological data and artificial intelligence, the app delivers real-time updates and long-term forecasts tailored to specific regions.
Prof. Wells collaborated closely with local farmers during the development process to ensure the app meets their unique needs.
Farmers have praised the app for its user-friendly interface and its ability to send alerts via text messages in both English and local languages, making it accessible even in rural areas with limited internet access.
With AgriForecast, Wells hopes to boost agricultural productivity and resilience, ensuring food security for communities across Uganda.
As the president of CyberFemmeHubs LLC, Prof. Wells has initiated an ambitious partnership with farmers from Mahyoro-Bukurungo town council, aimed at revolutionising agricultural practices through technology-driven smart farming.
Through CyberFemmeHubs, Prof. Wells partnered with Michael Asaba, a farmer and founder of the Michael Agro-Input Shop Dealer Project, which takes a commercial-based, community-oriented approach to bridging the technology gap for underserved communities.
The goal is to advocate for sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
“The partnership with the Mahyoro-Bukurungo farmers is part of a larger vision to support food security, economic growth, and environmental resilience for communities across Africa,” Asaba says.
Technology-driven solutions
In Kitagwenda district, climate change and traditional farming practices have long posed challenges for local farmers.
However, with Wells’ guidance and resources, this partnership is leveraging technology to create new sustainable farming models.
Through web-based training, farmers learn to use innovative equipment such as jab planters, select the best crop protection products and apply fertilisers and seeds.
They have access to virtual tools, such as the Virtual Agronomist app, which helps identify crop diseases and provides soil sampling data to detect nutrient levels.
“Farmers now have access to data to predict crop yields and implement precision farming techniques tailored to local communities. We are creating a model that empowers these farmers to not only increase their productivity but to do so in a way that respects and regenerates the land,” Prof. Wells said in recent interviews.
Empowering youth and women
A core component of the partnership is CyberFemmeHubs’ mission to uplift youth and women in both the tech industry and agriculture.
Recognising that youth and women are often the backbone of rural farming communities, Prof. Wells has incorporated training modules specifically designed for these farmers, enabling them to take leadership roles in technology-aided agriculture.
“We are working to ensure that youth and women have equal access to training and resources. Empowering youth and women in agriculture benefits families and strengthens communities,” she said.
A model for sustainable growth
The partnership’s success in Kitagwenda district has already inspired plans to expand the model to other regions in Uganda and beyond.
By providing consistent internet access and solar-powered devices, Wells and her team are making it possible for the most remote farmers to connect with experts, access real-time data and participate in markets they could not reach previously.
In recognition of her pioneering work, Wells has received accolades from local leaders in Uganda and global organisations focused on sustainable development.
As CyberFemmeHubs LLC continues to innovate, this partnership serves as a beacon of what is possible when technology meets grassroots empowerment.
Looking to the future
The initiative does not stop with Mahyoro-Bukurungo. As the world faces increasing food security challenges, Wells hopes to continue expanding CyberFemmeHubs’ reach, promoting smart farming as a solution for rural communities worldwide.
With a commitment to education, sustainability and equality, Wells is not only transforming farming in Uganda but is paving the way for a future where technology serves as an equaliser for all.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Kitagwenda farmers can get real-time weather updates and long-term forecasts for specific regions.
