Design and Construction of an Ultrasonic Cattle Deterrent Device to Curb Farmer-Herder Conflict in Nigeria

Abstract

Cattle encroachment into farmlands has emerged as a critical issue in regions where agriculture is vital for livelihoods and food security, with Nigeria being no exception. This research aims to design and develop a cattle deterrent device tailored to the unique challenges of farmer-herder conflicts. The device incorporates an Arduino UNO board with an ATmega 2560 microcontroller which serves as the brain of the device, facilitating the integration and control of various sensors and components. Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors detect thermal radiation changes caused by animal movement. They trigger the device when cattle approach the protected area. Ultrasonic sensors detect the presence of cattle by emitting high-frequency sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back. This information is used to calculate the distance to the cattle from the farmland. An LCD display unit provides real-time feedback and information about device status, helping farmers monitor its operation and effectiveness remotely by receiving feedback through a GSM module that is incorporated on the system. Tests on cattle reaction were carried out at a location in ‘Yan Shanu’ cow market, Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria. The auditory range of a cow is from 23HZ to 37,000Hz, an irritating sound frequency capable of causing cows to balk, stop, move away was achieved. It was observed that cattle got irritated by the sound at 30KHz (30000Hz) and 142 dB sound pressure level at 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from the device which is the source of the ultrasonic wave.