SandiAI introduces low-cost soil sensors for community savings groups

KAMPALA, Uganda — SandiAI has introduced low-cost soil moisture sensors designed to help community savings groups across East Africa adopt precision irrigation and reduce farming costs.

The sensors, which cost between 10 dollars and 20 dollars each, are part of the platform’s new Sandi Moisture Intelligence feature. The technology is often bundled with solar pumps or drip kits financed through SandiAI’s rotational savings model, making advanced agricultural tools accessible to unbanked populations and smallholder farmers.

Sandra Nabakka, founder and chief executive of SandiAI, said the tool helps farmers move away from guesswork. By placing two to six sensors at root-zone depths across different zones of a plot, farmers receive data-driven advice on which specific areas need water immediately.

The system combines sensor data with local weather forecasts and crop-specific needs to deliver guidance via WhatsApp, SMS or USSD menus. Nabakka said this ensures every drop of water is used effectively, helping crops thrive while cutting pumping expenses.

The guidance service is offered free to all members of SandiAI’s rotational savings groups. These groups use community financing to acquire the hardware, and they receive collective reports on water efficiency gains. Such data can be used to provide proof of improved yields when the groups seek loans from microfinance partners.

Based in Uganda, SandiAI currently supports more than 10,000 active savings groups in Uganda and Kenya. The social enterprise focuses on helping women-led groups finance clean energy, irrigation and sanitation solutions.

The company is currently exploring the addition of satellite imagery to enhance its aerial analysis and plans to expand its operations into Tanzania.