Smart Building Technology for Food Security: Sustainable Solutions for Livestock Farming and Food Storage in Nigeria
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Abstract
Agriculture remains the backbone of many developing economies, yet post-harvest losses, energy inefficiencies, and infrastructural deficiencies persist as major challenges. This study presents a strategic framework for the development of Smart Agricultural Buildings (SABs) as an integrated solution that combines renewable energy, sustainable design, and digital technologies to enhance productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected from 120 farmers, agricultural engineers, and architects across three regions, complemented with experimental data from prototype designs. The results reveal that SAB prototypes incorporating solar-powered ventilation, IoT-enabled monitoring, and cost-efficient insulation from locally available materials reduced crop spoilage by 35%, improved storage efficiency by 40%, and lowered energy consumption by 28% compared to conventional structures. Inferential analysis showed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the adoption of SABs and improved productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agricultural enterprises. The novelty of this study lies in its holistic design framework, which bridges the gap between architecture, renewable energy systems, and smart farming technologies, while ensuring affordability and adaptability to local contexts. By synthesizing sustainable building design principles with precision agriculture tools, this research contributes to both academic discourse and practical policy directions for modern agriculture.
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