Innovation driven by empathy at the grassroots level

AI-LED SAFETY: Niloofer Abed, assisted by her son Abtin Deldari, works on her farm security system

As a child, Niloofer Abed was witness to the environmental depredations caused by the oil and gas sector. Growing up in her native city Shiraz in Iran, Abed saw gas flaring leading to polluted waters and dead fish. Rather than watch helplessly, she resolved to do something about it.

From the oilfields of Iran to the arid farmlands of Rajasthan, Abed’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven science. A doctoral scholar at Amrita University’s E4LIFE international PhD programme, Abed found a platform to channel her concerns into action. The university’s focus on community engagement and sustainable development resonated with her aspirations. She decided to leverage technology to address the day-to-day problems of rural communities. This led her to Hari Rampura, a village in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district. The village’s 510 residents grappled with issues ranging from water scarcity and erratic monsoons to frequent crop raids by wild animals, such as the Nilgai and wild boar. The nocturnal wildlife intrusions severely hit agricultural productivity, forcing farmers to stay awake through the night to guard their fields.

Abed began working on solutions that could safeguard both human and animal lives. The community suggested traditional methods like fires, herbal repellent and noise-making, which were integrated into a broader strategy. Neighbourhood watch groups were established to monitor the fields collectively.

The next step was the development of a solar-powered, AI-driven crop protection system, which uses deep learning algorithms and IoT connectivity to detect and deter animals without causing harm. Equipped with motion sensors and real-time monitoring capabilities, the system alerts farmers via a user-friendly mobile application, allowing them to respond promptly to potential threats. Notably, the device includes a ‘recovery zone mechanism’ to guide displaced animals to safe areas, where they can recuperate before returning to their natural habitats.

Tailored solution

The technology’s design was tailored to suit the local context, given the limited digital literacy in the village — the user interface features icon-based navigation and support for local languages. Solar power was chosen to ensure sustainability, though challenges like inconsistent sunlight and dust accumulation required additional engineering solutions. Moreover, the AI model was trained on a custom dataset to accurately identify region-specific wildlife.

Thanks to the initiative, farmers in the region no longer face sleepless nights, leading to improved health and family well-being. Crop yields have increased due to reduced losses, enhancing food security and economic stability in the community.

Abed believes her work demonstrates that scientific innovation grounded in empathy and community collaboration can forge pathways to a more equitable and sustainable future.

(The writer is an independent journalist based in Chennai)