DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SCALABLE SMART IOT-BASED FISH FARMING SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This project covers the design and implementation of a smart solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) system for fish farming, with the goal of boosting sustainability and efficiency in Nigeria's aquaculture sector. Traditional techniques frequently struggle with intermittent water quality monitoring, labor-intensive feeding, and unstable access to electricity, particularly in rural areas. To address these issues, the system employs the ESP32 microcontroller to automate crucial aquaculture activities such as water quality monitoring, automatic feeding, and waste management via aquaponics. It includes sensors for pH, temperature, turbidity, and ammonia to ensure continuous monitoring of environmental conditions and optimal fish health. An automatic feeder maintains constant feeding schedules, whereas a GSM module allows SMS notifications to facilitate real- time monitoring even in low-connectivity areas. The system is fueled by solar energy, which allows for off-grid operation and reduces reliance on the national power grid. Prototype tests showed that data collection and control of outputs such as the feeder and warning modules were successful, although there were some concerns with voltage- related relay instability and sensor calibration. Despite these restrictions, the experiment demonstrates the feasibility of integrating low-cost and energy-efficient IoT devices in rural aquaculture. It advances smart agriculture by offering a scalable and ecologically sustainable solution adapted to the demands of developing countries. Future enhancements could include artificial intelligence integration, improved data analytics, and increased institutional backing to encourage widespread usage.