I am OMONAYAJO LATEEF, a winner of the 9th edition of Tattarillo international thesis award hosted in Florence, Italy. I achieved this feet with my final year degree project titled “Development of low cost emitter for drip irrigation” which was undertaken and defended at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Supervised by Engr. Dr. A. Sobowale.

The International Thesis Award “Premio Tattarillo” for Bachelor, MS and PhD theses is organized by ENGINEERING WITHOUT BORDERS – Florence. The objective of the Award is to stimulate the interest of students and international academia community in sustainability topics in the “South of the World”. In particular, Tattarillo Award aims to deepen and circulate the concept of “Appropriate Technology” as an instrument for knowledge transfer and awareness spreading among populations, to promote development models appropriate to their specific socio-economic and environmental reality. The 9th edition of the award registered entries from 34 countries which includes; Mexico, Angola, Colombia, Brazil, India, Guatemala, Albania and also from universities in Italy.

The research titled "Development of low cost emitter for drip irrigation" Was conceived to assist farmers in sub Saharan Africa adapts to the Siamese twin problem of climate change and food insecurity. The simple, low cost technology aims at achieving more crops per drop of water used. The system comprise of a 200 liters barrel, line filter, sub main line, laterals and emitters made from polyvinyl chloride materials that are readily available in most developing countries. The principle of operation is very similar to that of the medical infusion in human medicine whereby water is provided at the base of plants in required quantity at a constant head. Apart from the efficient water saving, the constant head drip emitter has a great time saving characteristic such that irrigation is completed within thirty minutes with no soil disturbance and gives more time to farmers for other chores on the farm. As a gravity system, the operating pressure of 87mbars ensures excellent water distribution uniformity on the field. However there is need for further research and introduction to farmers for adoption.

I am proud to be the first African to win the award!!!!!

Contacts: Email: Subtle009@yahoo.com, Phone: +2347066647275
For more information on Tattarillo award: www.isf-firenze.org, premiotattarillo@gmail.com.

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