A query system by use of internet of things to monitor water availability at water points in arid and semi-arid lands in kenya

Abstract

At the end of 2011, an estimated 768 million people did not use an improved source for drinking-water. 84% of the people who don’t have access to improved water, live in rural areas, where they live principally through subsistence agriculture. Kenya has a population estimated at 38.6 million, 80% of Kenya is classed as ASALs. Water is a scarce resource in arid and semi-arid areas resulting to it being highly sought among people living within. Nonetheless some people in ASAL have to trek for long miles in order to find this precious commodity for drinking, daily use and for their livestock. Most of the time they end up on empty water points. This research sought to find ways to develop a query system using IoT, integrated with SMS applications to provide timely and accurate information to users through the feature phones. The study used descriptive research method while interviews and questionnaires coded into ODK was the mode of data collection. It was then sampled using Microsoft Excel software and the findings presented in graphical representation and tables. Level of water at two water points were put under watch using the sensors and it became evident that approximately 112 hours can be saved in every 30 people per day. It was also noted that the GPRS module connected to the sensor and an Arduino board has a successful submission rate of 98%.