IoT-based livestock tracking: Addressing challenges in Somali livestock farming

Livestock plays a vital role in Somalia's economy, contributing more than 60% of the country's gross domestic product. However, livestock production in Somalia faces many challenges, including conflict, insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation. These challenges can lead to livestock losses, which can significantly affect the livelihoods of livestock owners. This paper proposes an Internet of Things (IoT)-based livestock tracking system to help farmers locate their lost livestock. The system uses GPS and GSM/GPRS technology to track the location of livestock in real-time. The system also includes a boundary restriction feature that can be used to ensure that livestock remains within a designated area. The IoT-based livestock tracking system has the potential to address a number of challenges facing livestock production in Somalia. The system can help reduce livestock losses, improve livestock management practices, and increase productivity. The system is currently being field-tested in Somalia. The system successfully detects livestock crossing the border and transmits the livestock's location in real-time. Field test results show successful real-time tracking of livestock. The test data will be used to improve the system and assess its effectiveness in helping farmers locate their lost livestock. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by IASE. This is an open access article under the CC BY -NC -ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).