The University of Sharjah (UoS), in partnership with IBM through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, has introduced My FarmWell, a mobile application aimed at addressing water scarcity challenges and enhancing sustainable agriculture in the UAE and the broader MENA region. This initiative is particularly timely as it seeks to support farmers in managing water resources more effectively in arid environments.

My FarmWell utilizes IBM Environmental Intelligence and integrates region-specific water and climate data. It provides farmers with essential insights to optimize irrigation strategies and navigate local agricultural regulations. The app’s user-friendly interface, available in both English and Arabic, includes features such as real-time water levels, historical groundwater trends, and crop recommendations based on local conditions.

UoS Chancellor His Excellency Prof. Essam El-Din Ajami expressed pride in this collaboration, stating that it represents a significant achievement in research aimed at addressing environmental challenges. He noted that this effort aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability and community service. UoS Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, highlighted the importance of collaborative research in providing practical solutions to societal issues, calling My FarmWell a step towards resilient agriculture.

Dr. Adewale Giwa, the Principal Investigator of the project, emphasized the app’s potential to facilitate smarter water use among farmers. IBM’s General Manager for the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, Shukri Eid, remarked that the app exemplifies how IBM’s technology empowers organizations to manage environmental risks effectively.

Key features of My FarmWell include an intuitive app interface that offers localized weather information, well water monitoring tools, and a farm water consumption calculator to optimize resource use. The app also provides links to agricultural regulations and global food market prices, supporting farmers in making informed decisions.

My FarmWell exemplifies a strong partnership between academia and industry, tackling critical regional challenges through technological innovation. This project is part of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, which focuses on developing solutions for communities facing environmental and economic stresses. The app is now available for download on Android and iPhone platforms.