Green Open Lab Foundation
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Green Open Lab was founded by Simona Della Morte in 2016. The initiative is focused on promoting sustainability and innovation through collaborative projects and community involvement.
Green Open Lab’s mission is to pioneer digital transformation in both industry and agriculture. They achieve this by supporting AgriTech startups with customized technologies designed for efficient and sustainable farming. Essentially, they’re like the tech-savvy wingman for farmers, helping them navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.
Country Information
Morocco’s rural areas face severe socio-economic challenges, with nearly two-thirds of the poor population living there. Human development indicators in these regions are half those of urban areas, and over 54% of rural localities are remote. Illiteracy stands at 67%, and only 46% of school-age children have access to education, with just 23% for girls. Basic infrastructure is lacking, with 87% of rural areas without electricity and 63% without clean drinking water.
In agriculture, 70% of farmers control less than 25% of cultivable land, and farms under 5 hectares earn below 1500 DH monthly. Despite an increase in cultivated land for cereals from 0.46 to 1.5 million hectares, productivity remains low.
These disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted efforts to improve living conditions, education, healthcare, and basic services in rural Morocco.
The Need
Our project aims to address the challenges farmers face in managing water resources effectively. A major issue for our beneficiaries is the limited access to advanced technology and expertise for optimizing irrigation practices. Many farmers currently use inefficient methods, resulting in water wastage and negative environmental impact. By offering smart technology, training, and support, we seek to empower farmers to improve their practices sustainably. This initiative will enhance productivity and resource management for farmers while also supporting broader environmental sustainability and community well-being.
The Project We Fund
Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Smart Technology and Community Support
Our project tackles these issues with a three-part approach:
– Smart Sensors: Install sensors to monitor soil, weather, and crop needs, creating customized irrigation schedules to save water and boost productivity.
– Training: Provide targeted training on sensor use, data interpretation, and sustainable irrigation techniques, with ongoing resources for learning.
– Support Platform: Develop a platform for farmers to get help, troubleshoot problems, and access best practices.
– Pro Bono Support: Train volunteers to assist farmers with technology and sustainable methods, fostering community collaboration.
The Result
Tracking the project’s impact involves:
– Baseline Assessment: Review initial conditions, including irrigation practices, water use, and crop yields.
– Implementation Monitoring: Supervise the setup of technology, training, and support.
– Data Collection: Use sensors to track water usage, soil moisture, weather, and crop health.
– Performance Metrics: Assess water savings, crop yield improvements, environmental impact, and farmer satisfaction.
– Feedback Mechanisms: Gather and use farmer feedback to improve the program.
– Regular Evaluation: Conduct reviews to measure the program’s effects on livelihoods and sustainability.
– Comparative Analysis: Compare post-implementation data with baseline metrics to assess improvements.
– Stakeholder Engagement: Work with farmers, partners, and local authorities to share insights and enhance the program.
