The framework was applied to assess the app from a user perspective to bring more value to communities. “IBM’s technology and expertise has been instrumental in helping us achieve this mission.” Improving water quality with human-centered designĪnother key component of the project is the use of IBM’s Enterprise Design Thinking framework to create value for the business, people and the planet. “The main goal is to provide farmers - even those who aren’t the most technologically savvy - with a tool that helps them to optimize their resources, which is advantageous to both the farmer and the planet,” said Joachim Rozemeijer, a water quality researcher at Deltares. This solution is being developed to support farmers with the intention of using IBM technology, such as artificial intelligence, to provide an easy and accessible platform to engage with other farmers and to share water quality knowledge with communities. After completing the first phase with the IBM Garage, a new version of the app will become available in the next few months with enhanced user experience, measurement recording and information sharing capabilities. This app, originally created by Deltares, is free for users and can help farmers improve water quality, protect biodiversity, save on fertilizer costs and make farming practices more sustainable.ĭeltares joined the IBM Sustainability Accelerator to implement a new user interface designed to make the app more accessible for farmers, add more value to the user, and increase adoption. That’s why Deltares, a non-profit research organization based in the Netherlands, teamed up with IBM to enhance and expand the reach of its Aquality app: to find a tech solution that helps farmers monitor nitrate levels and give insights into nutrient losses and local water quality. Monitoring nitrate levels is critical to managing and improving water quality. In an ideal situation, they would be able to track the amount of fertilizer they need in order to make the best use of their resources, helping them to save money.įortunately, there is a solution in development, all thanks to the power of data and human-centered design.Ī solution to improve farming’s impact on water quality For example, too much nitrate in water will stimulate algae growth, which can then deprive the water of oxygen needed by fish and other organisms that live in the water.įarmers also want to optimize their fertilizer use for economic reasons. This results in eutrophication: the over-enrichment of water by nutrients such as nitrogen, which can create severe ecological and human health consequences. Nutrients, pesticides and other harmful chemicals commonly used by farmers enter the water through various channels, including runoff from fields and irrigation systems. According to reports, 78% of global ocean and freshwater pollution with excess nutrients is caused by agriculture. The world is making progress on clean water and sanitation, but is still far behind its target to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.Īgriculture is one of the main sources of contamination in the water we use to drink, fish, participate in recreational activities and more. Yet, reports have said that one in four people do not have access to safe drinking water. Maintaining good water quality is crucial for the overall well-being of people and the environment.
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