ClimMob: Software to support experimental citizen science in agriculture

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Computer Science
• Citizen Science

Background:

• Scaling up on-farm crop variety testing requires efficient experimental design and data management tools.
• Existing systems often lack the flexibility to support diverse agricultural research needs and farmer participation.
• Experimental citizen science offers a promising approach for decentralized, participatory agricultural research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce ClimMob, a software solution designed to facilitate experimental citizen science in agriculture.
• To describe the design, architecture, and functionality of ClimMob, emphasizing user-centric development.
• To highlight the triadic comparisons of technology options (tricot) approach enabled by the software.

Main Methods:

• Developed ClimMob using Component-Based Software Engineering (CBSE) for modularity and maintainability.
• Integrated open-source components like Open Data Kit (ODK) and R packages for data collection and analysis.
• Employed a concurrent workflow and software concept development, incorporating continuous user feedback.

Main Results:

• ClimMob successfully supports the triadic comparisons of technology options (tricot) method for on-farm trials.
• The software architecture allows for flexibility, ease of maintenance, and integration with existing tools.
• User feedback was integral to shaping a farmer-feasible and decision-maker-relevant experimental workflow.

Conclusions:

• ClimMob provides a robust platform for implementing experimental citizen science at scale in agriculture.
• The software enhances data-driven decision-making for farmers, breeders, and other agricultural stakeholders.
• Ongoing development aims to improve user experience, expand data capabilities, and enhance system integration.