Future Experiences Project: 'CultivAid'
CultivAid is a system that uses digital technology to support and encourage indigenous farming methods. It promotes the sharing of knowledge and advice between farmers around the world to provide a support network within the agricultural industry, helping to face challenges posed by climate change. The project was inspired by challenges faced by farmers in rural Malawi
CultivAid': Agriculture and Climate Change
Based in Malawi, Africa, my project focussed on the transfer of energy between farmer and land in Agriculture through the lens of progressive Climate Change. Africa is more vulnerable than any other continent to the continually changing weather patterns and is predicted to see some of the most drastic impacts of Climate Change. 70% of people in Africa earn their income from farming, however increased variable weather conditions will leave their livelihoods vulnerable.
'CultivAid': Building Resilience
From my research and discussions with members of Sustainable Futures Africa, I gathered that there was an opportunity to learn from local knowledge as it is more accessible, often requiring little to no equipment, and often equally as effective as modern technology. This would make it easier for farmers around the world to adopt to become more climate resilient. Following this I was inspired to design a system to harness local knowledge to share with farmers experiencing different climates globally whilst providing data driven advice.
'CultivAid':Combining Senses and Sensors
I wanted to integrate the technology, providing accurate soil and weather analysis and advice, into the choreography of checking the soil and weather conditions. I made a series of wearable prototypes out of found objects to explore how the sensors and a feedback system could become part of a ritual.
'CultivAid': A Richer Connection
The CultivAid system helps farmers assess important factors affecting growth of crops such as soil conditions and climactic events in response to challenges posed by abnormal environmental conditions resulting from the Earth’s changing climate. Through enriching the connection between farmer and land by promoting indigenous farming methods, the senses are correlated and adjustments can be made.
Self Initiated: 'Guardians of Glasgow'
Residents of the model Green City get a Glasgow Guardian badge upon gaining citizenship. It tracks their environmental actions, earning them citizen points and encouraging positive behaviour to reduce feelings of climate anxiety, particularly in young adults.
'Guardians of Glasgow': The GlasGoesGreen Movement
What if, following the 2020 Climate Summit held in Glasgow, Scotland made a pact to go emissions free by 2025? I based my project in Glasgow following the initiation of the GlasGoesGreen movement in which Glasgow becomes the UK's first model green city, focussing on how Glasgow City Council would approach the issue of civilian mental health.
'Guardians of Glasgow': A Climate Anxiety Epidemic
Climate Anxiety is a growing issue and according to psychologists and supported by my research, is most prominent in young adults. As climate change progresses, so too will associated mental health issues. How could this be channelled into pro-environmental behaviour before it results in a climate anxiety epidemic?
'Guardians of Glasgow': A Future Vision
To develop the future context in which I was designing, I examined current trends and phenomena before projecting them into the future - what are the unintended consequences and how could they shape future societal and cultural structures? This helped me to envision the GlasGoesGreen movement and its impact on local citizens
'Guardians of Glasgow': Visualising a Collective Impact
Individuals can view their positive impact on the app and their community impact on display boards around their district, creating a sense of empowerment and motivation while helping to channel feelings of climate anxiety into pro-environmental behaviours.