This project will build a system called DFARM, which stands for Distributed Farm. DFARM will connect community gardens and indoor hydroponic systems located in homes, schools, and participating organizations throughout Knoxville, Tennessee. DFARM will assist this food community in setting food production goals and allocating the harvest fairly among participating organizations and food banks / resource centers to reach those most in need. DFARM will foster local entrepreneurial food production and distribution.
The project will advance computer science through development of backend software and machine learning algorithms as well as innovative user design. For example, the project will develop software that will interact with community members to learn their preferences for what food should be produced and what gardens and hydroponic systems should produce the food. The algorithm will be nimble because capacities to grow food will change frequently as new community gardens and hydroponic systems are added to DFARM, and the systems will produce harvests of different types and amounts of food at different times of the year. The project will develop a cooperative gaming module to encourage users to frequently engage with DFARM and each other.
An innovative collective governance approach to managing DFARM will ensure that the system is meeting community needs. The approach will feature two organizations, Three3, Inc. (a 501(c)3 research organization) and the United Way of Greater Knoxville, working closely together to build relationships and facilitate communications between researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the food community to collaboratively build DFARM. This structure will be thoroughly evaluated.
DFARM will increase the production of food that will directly benefit food insecure households and individuals in Knoxville. Increased access to healthy and fresh food will produce important health and educational co-benefits. DFARM software will be transferrable to other communities across the U.S. New communities of DFARM users will benefit from lessons learned by Knoxville’s food community.
DFARM Project
More details coming soon!
