As a teen, Samuel Nti Nkrumah made three decisions that have now set the course of his life: he decided to attend the University of Ghana, Legon, he chose to major in Computer Engineering and fixed his sights on building a more convenient way of farming that will improve crop yield with little to no supervision.
But how feasible is that Samuel’s third idea? He shares his story in a one-on-one chat with GIZ.
Q: If you did a project/thesis, what was it about?
Ans: Smart IoT based Hydroponics System using Reinforcement learning
Q: How did you decide what project/thesis you would do and what is your hope for the future of your project/thesis?
Hydroponic crops are cultivated in the absence of soil, using a mineral solution based on water. Most of it is done in a controlled setting. Certain variables, including pH, water levels, nutrient content, temperature, and humidity, must be met for this to be feasible. The goal of the research was to create simple methods for operating a hydroponics system with little or no monitoring.
This was more successful because it enabled the end-user to examine data values and monitor the parameters required for optimal development in real-time while adjusting these parameters based on decisions made by a reinforcement learning model. Certain occurrences and activities, such as soil erosion, deforestation, climate change, and galamsey activity, did not affect crop yield.
Q: Which organizations would you like to partner with if you were allowed to further develop your project or publish your insights?
Ans: Large scale farming organisations would be the target for this project since it will provide a more convenient way of farming and improve crop yield with little or no supervision.
Q: Can you brief description of your university experience and your expectations for work?
Ans: University provided me with several opportunities to learn new things, ranging from classes necessary for my degree to extracurricular activities, internships, and socializing. It has taught me important skills such as leadership, time management, effective communication, and writing.
I also got the opportunity to meet several great minds, ranging from professors to other students, who have a plethora of ideas that the world requires to flourish.
My expectations for work would be to work in an atmosphere where I can contribute to the team, where I am appreciated for my efforts, where I have employment stability, and where I can grow with a firm.
Q: What is your ideal work environment and culture?
Ans: An ideal work atmosphere, in my opinion, is one in which everyone feels valued and where everyone can develop freely. I work best in an environment that nurtures and encourages workers to develop.
Q: If you ever owned a company, how would you run it?
Ans: To thrive in business today, you must be adaptable, as well as have strong planning and organizing abilities. If I were to start my own business, I would make sure to be aware of my competitors’ successful strategies and constantly search for ways to improve the business and make it stand out from the competition.
I must provide excellent service to my clients to win their loyalty and keep their business. Consistency is essential for generating money in business. Daily, the company must continue to do what is necessary to be successful.
This will guide the company in developing long-term good habits that will help us make money in the long run.
Check out another intriguing story from a young graduate here.
